Introduction
Based in the Dept of Social Sciences at TUS: Midlands, EOLAS is a research groups that offers a vital platform for co-produced research into human behaviour, lived experiences, and social issues at local, national and international levels. The work of the group focuses on four thematic pillars: human development and well-being, social justice and empowerment, socially sustainable futures, and open science and digital innovation. EOLAS undertakes and promotes collaborative research to generate new knowledge and influence interventions and policies.
Group Members: Dr Ashling Jackson, Dr Teresa Brown, Dr Eoghan McNeill, Dr Edith Walsh, Dr Vincent O’Connor, Dr Caroline Coyle, Dr Anna Rose Codd, Delores Crerar, Finola Colgan-Carey, Imelda Rea.
Researchers
Dr Ashling Jackson
Dr Ashling Jackson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at TUS: Midlands. She teaches courses in sociology, community development, and research methods, and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. Ashling is co-editor of the books Learning on the Job: Parenting in Modern Ireland (Oak Tree Press) and Community Development in Ireland: Theory, Policy and Practice (Gill and Macmillan). Ashling’s research interests are centred on parenting, family life, social inequality, social change and community development. She focuses on qualitative research methodologies and research co-production, in collaboration with communities facing social disadvantage. Ashling welcomes inquiries from prospective Master’s by Research and PhD candidates interested in these areas.
Dr Caroline Coyle
Dr Caroline Coyle is a lecturer in the Social Science Dept TUS, Midlands. Her research interests include cultural gerontology, creative community and society, creative methods in research, arts based participatory activism and change and therapeutic approaches to social care using creative participatory and co productive methods such as collaborative art, poetry, mythology and ritual as tools of discovery. She uses autoethnography, her own practice as a performance artist, poetic inquiry, and other arts-based methods to engage in contextual relationality and create liminal, potentially transformative spaces, within which, new stories, identities and meanings may be negotiated. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8176-5117 Caroline.Coyle@tus.ie
Dr Edith Walsh, C. Psychol., Ps.S.I.
Dr. Edith Walsh is a lecturer on the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology programme at the Technological University of the Shannon. She completed her PhD in Applied Behaviour Analysis at the University of Galway, in 2019. Her doctoral research focused on the use of technology-aided interventions to teach and enhance the skills necessary for promoting workplace inclusion among neurodivergent adults with additional support needs. Dr. Walsh brings extensive clinical experience supporting individuals, families, and professionals in the areas of assessment, intervention, and the implementation of Positive Behaviour Support. She is a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and a member of the PSI Division of Behavioural Analysis. In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Walsh has substantial experience in lecturing and curriculum development, and she has supervised students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research focuses on supporting inclusive communities and translating evidence into sustainable improvements in practice.
Finola Colgan-Carey
Finola Colgan Carey LL.M, LL. B, B.A, H. Dip. Ed., Dip. Project Management is a part-time Law Lecturer at TUS–Athlone, teaching since 2007 across the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning and the Faculty of Science and Health. Finola has over 35 years’ experience in mental health promotion development, and is a personal advocate for participatory governance, equality, and wellbeing. Her work spans transformative mental health programmes, human rights education, and civic engagement, with a particular focus on socially marginalised communities. Finola is co-author of Veterinary Law and Practice in Ireland (Clarus Press) and a recipient of the National Award for Excellence in Teaching (NAIRTL) for her contribution to the Higher Diploma in Custodial Care, delivered in partnership with the Irish Prison Service and Sligo IT
Doctoral Researcher
Researcher: Sarah Hughes
Supervisors: Dr Edith Walsh (TUS – Primary Supervisor) and Dr Helena Lydon (University of Galway)
Tile of PhD project: Accessing, Progressing and Connecting: An Investigation into the Support Necessary to Promote Social Inclusion at Third Level for Autistic Students.
Subject area: PhD in Psychology (Applied)
Summary of research:
This research project explores the experiences of autistic students in higher education, focusing on how social, academic, and institutional factors affect their inclusion and success. With education recognised as a transformative force, the study aligns with national and European priorities promoting inclusive learning environments, as outlined in Ireland’s National Access Plan (2022–2026). Although autism-friendly university initiatives exist, there remains limited empirical evidence on their effectiveness and on the lived experiences of autistic students. The study aims to build a stronger evidence base to inform inclusive policies and practices in higher education. Specifically, it investigates the barriers and facilitators to social inclusion, the types of supports and accommodations available, and how autistic students’ social, academic, and mental health experiences compare with those of non-autistic peers. Ultimately, the research seeks to amplify autistic students’ voices and improve accessibility and inclusion across third-level institutions.