Research Fellow

Seana Friel is a Research Fellow at the Tilda Goldberg Centre (TGC), with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in care experience and transitions to adulthood. With over seven years of experience in the field, Seana has made significant contributions to three large-scale studies focused on transitions to adulthood for care experienced young people. These two Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded studies, namely the Exploring Innovations in Transition to Adulthood study (EXIT) and the Care Leaver, COVID-19 and Transitions from care study (CCTC), and earlier the include the Transitions and Outcomes for Care Leavers with Mental Health and/or Intellectual disabilities in Northern Ireland (YOLO) study (Queen’s University Belfast).

Prior to her work at TGC, Seana worked as a Researcher at the Learning and Work Institute, a leading policy and research organization dedicated to lifelong learning, employment, and social inclusion. During this time, she managed multiple research and development projects focused on inclusive employment and learning opportunities for disadvantaged groups, including care experienced young people, young adult carers, and people experiencing homelessness with complex needs.

Seana is a highly skilled mixed-method researcher with a strong interest in participatory research methods. She possesses demonstrable skills and experience in both qualitative and quantitative research, with expertise in research design, developing research proposals, research tool development, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and data analysis using a range of software, including SPSS, MS Excel, and MAXQDA (thematic data analysis software). In addition to specific research skills, Seana plays a critical role in developing relationships with local authorities and young people, ensuring their participation in research activity is a meaningful and impactful experience.

Overall, Seana Friel is a highly skilled researcher who also brings her lived experience to inform the design and delivery of leaving care studies, as well as to effectively support and engage peer researchers.

Seana is currently working as a research fellow on ESRC funded and the Exploring Innovations in Transitions to Adulthood

Qualifications

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

Recent Publications

Publication track record (selected publications)

• Munro, E. R., Friel, S., Baker, C., Lynch, A., Walker, K., Williams, J., Cook, E., Chater, A., (2022). Care leavers’ transitions to adulthood in the context of COVID-19: Understanding pathways, experiences and outcomes to improve policy and practice. Luton: University of Bedfordshire
• Kelly, B., Friel, S., McShane, T., Pinkerton, J., & 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.
• Friel, S (2017). Resilience factors amongst higher education students with a care background. Children’s Research Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Kelly, B., Gilligan, E., Friel, S., Smith, D., Pinkerton, J. & McShane, T. (2016) “More than we expected!" A Guide to Peer Research with Young People.

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.