Research Assistant
Annika is Research Assistant in the Faculty of Education, Sport and Tourism. Mainly working through the structure of the Institute of Research in Education (IRED) and Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy research group, Annika is currently assisting staff members with their research proposals, bids, data collection and publications.
She is also pursuing her own research with Dr Petia Petrova into the effect of writing retreats on academic identity.
From 2008-2010, Annika was Action Research Assistant and Project Coordinator in the University of Bedfordshire’s Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
In her spare time, Annika plays the tenor pan in the Revellers Steelband.
Qualifications
- PRINCE2 Practitioner qualified
- MA Social Research – Goldsmiths College (2004)
- BA (Hons) Sociology, 1st class – University of Bedfordshire (2001)
- First aid at work
Research Interests
Annika is currently interested in all aspects of higher education research, in particular topics related to academic practice and development, transitions and academic identity.
Her previous areas of research were in the student experience and employability.
She is very enthusiastic about sociological research methodologies, the value of academic peer support groups and collaborative working.
Current Research Projects
- JISC/HEA ‘Digital Literacies and Creativity’ (£20,000) 2011-2012. Project role: Project Administration and support
- University of Bedfordshire 'Exploring the effect of writing retreats on academic identities'. With Dr Petia Petrova.
External Roles
- British Sociological Association council member (2006 to present)
- Co-Convenor of the BSA’s Sociologists Outside Academia group (2006 to present)
- Book Reviewer for the Social Research Association
Publications
- Petrova, P., and Coughlin, A., (forthcoming) Using structured writing retreats to support novice researchers. International Journal for Research Development.
- Coughlin, A., ‘CRe8 and the Lifelong Learning Inventory’ in Atlay, M. (2010) (Ed) Creating Bridges: a collection of articles relating to the implementation of the Curriculum Review (CRe8) from practitioners across the University of Bedfordshire. University of Bedfordshire.
- The scholarship of teaching and learning: what role do writing retreats have to play?’ in Atlay, M. and Coughlin, A., (Eds) (2010) Creating Communities: developing, enhancing and sustaining learning communities across the University of Bedfordshire. Internal publication.
- Atlay, M. and Coughlin, A., (Eds) (2010) Creating Communities: developing, enhancing and sustaining learning communities across the University of Bedfordshire. Internal publication
- Coughlin, A., (September 2009) Examining Employability: modes of explaining 'success' or 'failure' in the transition from university to work in Why Social Science Matters Issue 2. C-SAP
- Coughlin A. (Spring 2009) ‘Career Coaching' Graduate Market Trends, HECSU
- Coughlin, A. (May 2008) What can the University of Bedfordshire do to improve the employability of its graduates? An exploration into the job hunting experiences of nine BME graduates 18 months to 3 years since leaving the University. Internal report.
- Coughlin, A., with Mascia, R., Keenan, Eamonn and Hughes, S., (November 2008) Higher level skills: A companion report to the ‘Skills to Innovate’ conference held at the University of Bedfordshire. University of Bedfordshire and Bedfordshire County Council
Presentations
- Leask, M., and Coughlin, A., (2011) 'Education Communities' Modern Universities Research Group conference
- Coughlin, A., and Petrova, P., (2011) Creating a community of writers through structured residential writing retreats Fourth International CETL Conference Academia as workplace: Linking past, present and future St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford 4-6 April
- Coughlin A. Building communities of practice - a case study of the Effective Lifelong Learning Inventory project from the perspective of the project co-ordinator. Teaching & Learning Symposium, University of Bedfordshire (July 2009)
- Gaitan, A., and Coughlin, A. Reflecting on reflection: challenges and possible solutions. University of Bedfordshire conference. (July 2010)
- Coughlin, A., Building a sense of community through an interdisciplinary writing retreat. University of Bedfordshire conference. (July 2010)
- Coughlin, A., (2009) C-SAP, BSA and SRHE workshop – Employer engagement and employability after the crash: Opportunities and challenges for social science learning, teaching and employment. Birmingham. Presentation: Examining Employability: modes of explaining 'success' or 'failure' in the transition from university to work
- Corkill H. and Coughlin A. Orientation or disorientation? Assessing the first transitions and their impact on teaching and learning for partner college students Teaching and Learning Symposium (UoB 2009)
- Coughlin A. and Holmes L. (December 2008), Society for Research into Higher Education Annual Conference Liverpool, Presentation: Between policy and practice on graduate employability: lost in translation?
Posters
- Coughlin, A., Petrova, P and Atlay, M., (2010) CRe8ing a community of writers: a diary of a writing retreat participant. SEDA conference, Leeds.
Contact Details
T: +44 (0)1234 793233
E: annika.coughlin@beds.ac.uk
