Kristelle Craven awarded PhD

News
Date published
14/08/2025

Dr Kristelle Craven has successfully passed her PhD viva at the University of Nottingham, with funding from ARC East Midlands, the Ossie Newell Foundation, and the Elizabeth Casson Trust.

Her research focused on developing a digital toolkit to support stroke survivors and their employers throughout the process of planning and managing return to work after a stroke. 

The toolkit offers practical resources, guidance on workplace adjustments, and strategies tailored to address the diverse needs of stroke survivors and employers during the return-to-work journey.

Reflecting on her achievements, Dr Craven said: “Completing this PhD has been an empowering journey that has taught me invaluable skills, nurtured my growth as an independent researcher, and strengthened my determination in ways I never anticipated.

"I’m deeply grateful to my funders, my supervisors, and the many stakeholders – stroke survivors, employers, healthcare professionals, and others – who generously supported and guided me throughout this journey. I look forward to seeing the future, potential impact of this work."

Congratulations to Dr Craven on this significant milestone! We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and look forward to seeing the impact of her work on stroke rehabilitation and workplace inclusion. 

For more information, see below: 

  • Craven K, De B, Holmes J, Fisher R, Radford KA. Factors influencing employers’ support for employees with acquired brain injuries or mental illness to return to- and stay in work: A qualitative systematic review. Work [Internet]. 2024 Jan 12;79(1):93-121. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-230214   
  • Craven K, Kettlewell J, De Dios Pérez B, Powers K, Holmes J, Radford KA. What do employers need when supporting stroke survivors to return to work?: a mixed-methods study. Top Stroke Rehabil [Internet]. 2024 Oct 4;32(4):392-404. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2024.2409005  
  • Craven K, Holmes J, Kettlewell J, Radford K. Development of a digital, self-guided return-to-work toolkit for stroke survivors and employers using intervention mapping. PLOS Digit Health [Internet]. 2025 Aug 6;4(8):e0000971. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000971
  • To download the poster titled 'Co-design of a toolkit to help stroke survivors stay in work post-stroke', click here.