PhD Studentship - Environmental Education for Empowerment: A response to Eco-anxiety among young people in Ireland Dundalk Institute of Technology in Ireland

Fully Funded PhD Studentship Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES), Dundalk, Ireland.Primary Research Area: Environmental Science, Mental HealthKeywords: environmental education; eco-anxiety; climate change; youth; bioeconomy; mental health; wellness; community.Project Overview:Climate change is one of the greatest modern threats to human health and well-being. The effects of climate change will disproportionately and unjustly affect our youth, who will be burdened with the responsibility of dealing with a legacy of environmental inaction. This study aims to investigate the severity and the sources of climate change stress among young people. In addition, the role of experiential education as a driver for pro-environmental behaviour and youth empowerment will be explored. Through consultation with both teachers, learners and bioeconomy professionals a transformative Environmental Education (EE) programme will be developed. Pro-active environmental education initiatives that are innovative and inclusive are needed to empower young people enabling them to actively respond to the scientific, social, ethical, and political complexities of climate change. We will evaluate the effectiveness of this EE programme in supporting critical thinking, climate change awareness, empowering students and building resilience. Learning will be participatory, exploratory and open-ended, allowing space for creativity with time for reflection and group discussions. This approach will involve the direct participation of young people within their local communities through partnership with green enterprises. This has the potential to have multiple benefits building both science and social capital which has a direct influence on closing the STEM skills gap and building community resilience.Dundalk Institute of Technology is a dynamic, world class Institute that has developed an international reputation in both basic and applied research through its Research Centres. The Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) is a dynamic research centre within the School of Health and Science. This project is in partnership with Development Perspectives (DP), a multi-award winning independent global citizenship education non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Drogheda, Co. Louth. DP are very much engaged in transformative education supporting communities to explore, understand, challenge and act. DP are a Global Sustainability Champion and a World Wise Global Schools (WWGS) partner. DP bring considerable expertise in the area of global citizen education. The successful candidate will be based in CFES at Dundalk Institute of Technology and will have the opportunity to complete a 12-week placement in Development Perspectives (DP) where they will develop a broad range of skills.Type of Degree Offered: PhD – Full Time registration onlyMinimum Qualifications: Applicants should hold a minimum 2:1 degree in in an Education, Science Education, Social Science or Life Science discipline.Applicants whose first language is not English, must demonstrate a recent (within 12 months) minimum proficiency in English at 6.5 on the IELTS scale or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English, but who have attained their primary degree through the medium of English, are not subject to the above requirement.Experience/Expertise required: Candidate must be self-motivated and ambitious. Good communication skills, a high level of academic writing and an ability of work as part of a larger team are all also essential requirements. Candidates must hold a full clean driver’s licence that allows them to drive in the Republic of Ireland. Experience of working effectively in youth outreach, mental health, education or advocacy is desirable.Supervisory Team:Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES), Dundalk Institute of Technology.Dr. Suzanne Linnane, Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES), Dundalk Institute of Technology.Dr. Áine McHugh, Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Early Years, Dundalk Institute of Technology.For informal queries: For Informal queries relating to the project, please contact:Dr. Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Centre for Freshwater & Environmental Studies (CFES) at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Email: [email protected] note canvassing will render an applicant eligible.How to ApplyApplicants please create an account HERE.Select Academic term 2024/25, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and Programme is CREATE PhD04As part of the application you will be required to upload a copy of your CV including references and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. Also required are copies of your Transcripts of results and where applicable IELTS qualifications. These will be requested after you submit your application.The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Friday 9th August 2024. It is expected that applicants will start no later than mid October 2024.DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline