معرفی
Dr Claire Durrant is a Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex, specializing in childhood studies, emotional wellbeing, and inclusion for neurodiverse youth. Her work bridges educational psychology, disability studies, and mental health research through projects evaluating interventions for vulnerable student populations.
Educational background:
- BA Business Studies, University of Westminster (1980-1984)
- MA Childhood and Youth Studies, University of Sussex (2013-2015)
- MSc Social Research Methods, University of Sussex (2016-2017)
- PhD Childhood and Youth Studies, University of Sussex (2017-2021)
Her research examines how severe dyslexic difficulties impact young people's emotional wellbeing and identity formation within mainstream education systems. Focusing on social interactions with teachers, parents, and peers, she investigates institutional barriers and support mechanisms for neurodiverse students. This work critically addresses gaps in literature by concentrating specifically on severe dyslexia cases and their mental health implications, contributing to inclusive pedagogy frameworks.
Publications demonstrate consistent focus on discursive constructions of disability in educational settings, utilizing qualitative methodologies to explore lived experiences. Her 2022 thesis establishes foundational work connecting neurodiversity, emotional vulnerability, and school environments through social constructionist lenses.
Key recognitions:
- Barrie Thorne prize for Master's academic excellence
- ESRC doctoral training award
Durrant has supervised Master's students as an Academic Adviser while securing project-based research funding. Her grant portfolio includes ESRC doctoral support and multiple evaluation contracts addressing special educational needs. Current work centers on translating research into practical frameworks for educators through recent projects like Always Hope Evaluation.
She actively contributes to interdisciplinary research teams including the 'See Me Hear Me' Pilot, Covid-19 SEN parent studies, and Faster Read evaluation, collaborating across Social Work, Education, and Psychology departments to develop evidence-based support systems for neurodiverse youth.
