Naomi McGookin (MRES, MSc.)

Teaching Fellow

Biography

Background

I joined the University of Edinburgh in 2024 as a Teaching Fellow in the Health in Social Sciences programme. Prior to this I was an Associate Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University in the Social Work department, where I am currently in the final stages of my PhD. 

My academic background is predominantly in social work where I am actively engaged in research around child protection, child sexual abuse, assessing risk and working with marginalised or under-represented groups. My current doctoral research is a participatory action research project that seeks to learn more about the lived experiences of women who co-parent with internet-based child sex offenders . This research is in its final stages and has gained traction with the Scottish Government and social work governing bodies and it is hoped that the findings will inform changes to child protection policy and social work practice. 

I am particularly interested in utilizing creative research  methods such as Photovoice, poetic inquiry and vignette and have a specific focus on public engagement and impact. These methods also play a role in my teaching style.

I am a qualified social worker and my professional identity impacts upon both my research and teaching style which has social justice, widening access to higher education and trauma-informed practice at the forefront.

Qualifications

Masters of Research with Distinction (2020)

Masters of Social Work with Distinction (2018)

PGCert in Counselling Skills (2016) 

MA(Hons) Upper Second Class in Theology and Religious Studies (2015)

HNC Social Sciences (2010)

Responsibilities & affiliations

I am a qualified social worker and eligible for SSSC registration. 

 

I currently teach on the MA Health in Social Sciences programme. 

Undergraduate teaching

I teach on the MA Health in Social Sciences programme.

Postgraduate teaching

I currently supervise undegraduate students and postgraduate counselling students.

Research summary

I am currently interested in exploring participatory paradigms, creative research methods, under-represented groups, critical social work research, child protection, social policy, child abuse inquiry, sexual offending, non-offending partners and internet-based offending.

Knowledge exchange

As part of my doctoral studies, co-researchers and I created and collated an exhibit of findings that were shown in collaboration with Stop It Now! Scotland to a wide range of key stakeholders and policy makers. The exhibit has since been shown again in Scottish Parliament to MSPs and is due to be shown in various professional and academic conferences in 2024. 

 I am interested in opportunities for further knowledge exchange and impact.

Project activity

Currently facilitating a participatory action research project exploring the experiences and support needs of women who co-parent with registered internet-based child sex offenders. 

Previously involved with a large scale research project commissioned by the University and Colleges Union (UCU) to investigate the prevalence and management of sexual violence in higher education.  

Current project grants

ESRC funded PhD studentship grant - 2019-2025

Past project grants

ESRC funded Student Led Training Fund grant holder to develop and train other postgraduates in trauma-informed research methods.

Invited speaker

Invited speaker at the GCU Postgraduate Conference 2023

 

Invited presenter at the NOTA Conference 2024

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