Dr Edel Ennis

Overview

Dr Edel Ennis is a Lecturer in Psychology at Ulster University.

Research Focus

Edel’s research primarily concentrates on three areas; (i) mental health (with a particular interest in the mental health of university students, (ii) suicide prevention, and (iii) digital mental health.

Research Interests

Edel’s research primarily collaborates with the School of Computing. Edel is part of several research projects. ’Our Generation’ focuses on building resilience within young people, through both face to face and digital interventions. ‘ChatPal’ focuses on the development and trial of a chatbot to support and promote mental wellbeing in rural areas. The ‘Your Emotional Wellbeing (YEW)’ project collaborates with Pneuma Healthcare, who support healthcare centres in their recruitment, continuous professional development and support of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs). Past projects have also focused on the domain of suicide prevention. Examples have involved partnerships with Samaritans, with projects examining caller behaviours and the impact of suicide prevention messages and memorials on motorway bridges. Other research projects have examined the possible importance of prescription medications and emergency department admissions.

Research Awards

The research partnership between the UU team and Samaritans received the 2020 Ulster University Research Excellence Award within the Public Sector Partnership category. One of Edel’s research students has earned the award of Industrial Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which recognises the contribution of the research to industry.

Teaching

Edel teaches on the B.Sc. Psychology at Ulster University Coleraine, and on the M.Sc. Psychology (Conversion Course) online. Edel teaches on the Individual Differences modules. She has developed the Psychology of Mental Health module and teaches this. Edel is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority (SFHEA). Edel has contributed to international Summer schools on digital mental health. These activities primarily focus on the ethical considerations which surround digital mental health.

Research Supervision

Edel supervises research students from the B.Sc. Psychology, M.Sc. Applied Psychology (Mental Health and Psychological Therapies) and M.Sc. Psychology (Conversion Course). Edel also supervises several PhD students, has previously  supervised PhD students to completion.

Current PhD students

• Ms. Gillian Cameron
• Mr. Martin Gallen
• Mr. Colm Sweeney
• Mr Philip Donaghy

Recently Graduated PhD Students

• Dr. Maeve Murphy
• Dr. Robin Turkington

Administrative Roles and Memberships

Edel is Wellbeing Champion within the School of Psychology. This role functions to help deliver and support the wider initiatives being rolled out across the university, and to help with the wellbeing of staff. Edel is also a member of the Ulster Research Ethics Committee (UREC). This research and governance committee reviews all studies involving vulnerable populations to ensure that they are compliant with legal and ethical responsibilities.

Community Impact

Supporting the importance of widening participation, Edel is the School of Psychology representative for validation panels for non-direct access route courses in partner FE institutions. The work of the research team which Edel is part of has contributed to two impact case studies. These were entitled “Changing policy and practice in suicide prevention in Northern Ireland” and “Developing psychological services and addressing the mental health impact of the Conflict in Northern Ireland”.

Personal Information

Edel would say that we are often much harsher with ourself than we are with others, and the best lesson she has learned is to be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same kindness that you would treat a friend.

Upcoming International Meetings

Edel’s next international meeting will be to present her work at the European Conference on Mental Health (ECMH)

Research Opportunities