Research Fellow

Seana joined the Tilda Goldberg Centre as a Research Assistant in March 2021. Prior to this, Seana worked as a Researcher at the National Learning and Work Institute, leading on and contributing to multiple research projects focused on inclusive learning and employment opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Seana is particularly interested in participatory research methods; and has worked as a care experienced researcher on a longitudinal study exploring transitions and outcomes for care leavers in Northern Ireland.

Seana is an experienced mixed-method researcher and has worked on research projects such as a study for the Department for Education exploring pathways to employment for care leavers and an evaluation of Crisis UK’s Tackling Multiple Disadvantage project for people experiencing homelessness.

Seana is currently working as a research fellow on ESRC funded Care Leavers, COVID-19 and Transitions from care (CCTC study) and the Exploring Innovations in Transitions to Adulthood (EXIT Study)

Qualifications

• B.Sc. Hons. Psychology – Ulster University (2012 – 2016)
• Diploma in Professional Practice – Ulster University (2014)

Recent Publications

• Munro, E.R., Friel, S., Newlands, F., Baker, C., García Alba, L. and Lynch, A. (2021) Research Briefing One: Professional perspectives on supporting young people leaving care in the context of COVID-19. Care Leavers, COVID-19 and the transition from care (CCTC study). University of Bedfordshire. Luton. Download the report [PDF]
• Sadro, F., Marsh, L., Klenk, H., Egglestone., C and Friel, S. (2021) Understanding the difference you make. An evaluation toolkit for adult learning and career change programmes. Learning and Work Insitute and Nesta. media.nesta.org.uk/documents/Understanding_the_difference_you_make_-_Evaluation_toolkit_FINAL_1.pdf
• Friel, S., Murphy, H., Klenk, H., and Vaid, L. (2020) Tackling Multiple Disadvantage: Final Evaluation Report. Learning and Work Institute and Crisis. Download the report [PDF]
• Kelly, B., Friel, S., McShane, T., Pinkerton, J., and Gilligan, E. (2017). "I haven't read it, I've lived it!" The benefits and challenges of peer research with young people leaving care. Qualitative Social Work.doi.org/10.1177%2F1473325018800370
• Friel, S (2017). Resilience factors amongst higher education students with a care background. Children's Research Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland. (For more information, please see Children's Research Network Memberships).
• Egglestone, C., Woodhouse, J., Friel, S., Stevens, C., and Patel, A. (2017). Money Matters: Financial capability, wellbeing and young people. Youth Access. www.fincap.org.uk/en/evaluations/money-matters-financial-capability-well-being-and-young-people
• Kelly, B., Friel, S., Gilligan, E., and McShane, T. (2016). "I found out the hard way": Young People with Mental Health and/or Learning Disabilities, Leaving Care. A summary for young people. Download the Report [PDF]
• Kelly, B., Gilligan, E., Friel, S., Smith, D., Pinkerton, J. and McShane, T. (2016) "More than we expected!" A Guide to Peer Research with Young People. Download the report [PDF]

Conference presentations

• Friel S., Webb, A., (2020, December). Employment support for people experiencing homelessness: Lessons from Tackling Multiple Disadvantage. Crisis UK and National Learning and Work Institute.
• Friel, S., and Kelly., B. (2019, January). "More than we expected!" 'A Guide to Peer Research with Young People. Africa Network of Care Leaving Researchers, University of Johannesburg.
• Pinkerton, J., Friel, S., Smith, D., and Gilligan., E. (2017, April). "More than we expected!" Launch of 'A Guide to Peer Research with Young People. Queen's University Belfast and Voices of Young People in Care.
• Friel, S. (2016, December). Resilience Factors amongst Higher Education Students with a Care Background. Oral presentation at the 5th Annual Conference of the Children's Research Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland, Dublin.
• Friel, S. (2016, May). Resilience Factors amongst Higher Education Students with a Care Background. Oral presentation at the Annual Student Congress: Psychology Society for Ireland.