Image of PhD student Luke Slattery

PhD Researcher

Course: Structured PhD
Role: PhD Student
Email: slattery.luke@ul.ie
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, University of Limerick.
Master of Science in Psychological Science, University of Limerick.

Project Title: Exploring the Impact of School Amalgamation on the Academic and Social Adjustment of Marginalised Student Groups

Project Supervisors:

Dr Daragh Bradshaw

Dr Aisling O’Donnell

Dr Sarah Jay

Funding Source: Education & Health Sciences (EHS) EDI PhD EU Fee Waiver

Project Description:

School amalgamations have increased in recent years. While these school mergers are financially advantageous, there is limited understanding of their long-term impact on students. Specifically, we know very little about the experiences of marginalised student groups and the most effective ways to support them during school amalgamation. Amalgamation may be particularly traumatising for marginalised students, and risks negatively impacting their academic and social adjustment. This project is situated within the only longitudinal school amalgamation study currently being conducted. Findings will provide guidance to amalgamating schools on how to facilitate successful mergers and support the needs of marginalised student groups.

 

Awards and Achievements:

  • Presentation Bursary Award: Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) Psychology, Health, and Medicine Conference (2023).
  • Highest Thesis Grade (A1): Barriers to Transition and Depression Risk among Transgender Populations: The Mediating Roles of Victimisation and Identity Disclosure, MSc Psychological Science, University of Limerick (2023).
  • Graduate with Highest Overall QCA: MSc Psychological Science, University of Limerick (2023).

 

Conferences and Presentations:

  • Outcomes for Text-Based Crisis Support Volunteers: The Mediating Role of Social Support and Self-Efficacy. Oral and poster presentations, PSI Annual Conference (2023).
  • Barriers to Transition and Depression Risk among Transgender Populations: The Mediating Roles of Victimisation and Identity Concealment. Poster presentation, PSI Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference (2023).
  • Navigating Research Processes at Postgraduate Level. Invited speaker, Department of Psychology Seminar Series, University of Limerick (2023).
  • Transgender Day of Rememberance. Invited speaker, Out in UL LGBTQ+ Society Members’ Meeting, University of Limerick (2023).

 

Teaching Assistant:

  • PS4031 – Psychology and Everyday Life