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Project: Generation Migration. Document Analysis of Self-Reporting Blogs: Uncovering the Themes
Mentor: Dr Marian Crowley-Henry
Bio: This project offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in my chosen discipline and an insight into the world of research. It would also be rewarding to know that your work is helping to bridge the knowledge gap between the links/relationships that the Irish Diaspora has with Ireland, in particular concerning business and management connections.
Last semester I studied Human Resource Management and International Business which I found beneficial especially when the conduct of business is increasingly international in scope and managing human resources is critical to the successful conduct of global business. This project would be an opportunity to put the theories and concepts I have learned into practice and build on from and develop new skills.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to gain experiential learning in this particular field of academic research.

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Project: Collaborating with communities: creating a digital archive of adult education research
Mentor: Michael Kenny/ Bernie Grummell
Bio: I'm Karen, I'm in second year of a BA majoring in sociology with a minor in international Development. My research interests include the direct provision system in Ireland and how communities adapt to the provision of these services in their area, and access to education. This summer I hope to gain practical documentary and online skills which will stand to me during my special research topic in final year.

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Project: ‘Taking Care’: An Analysis of Fitness to Practise Cases in Ireland and UK in 2019
Mentor: Dr Gloria Kirwan & Dr Brian Melaugh
Bio: My name is Sinead. I am in my second year studying Social Policy and Sociology. I will be partaking in “’Taking Care’: An Analysis of Fitness to Practice Cases in Ireland and the UK in 2019” within the Department of Applied Social Studies. As a mature student within this department I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity to expand my knowledge in the area of social work and research practice. I currently study Fieldwork Research Methods and my hopes for this project is to develop my research skills in literature reviews, data collection and data analysis which will undoubtedly bolster any future studies. Although this project will be challenging, I am looking forward to gaining the experience under the guidance of the mentors in an area of personal interest to me.

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Project: K-pop Fans on Twitter – Tracking East/West Flow of Popular Culture
Mentor:  Dr. Rebecca King-O’Riain
Bio: My name is Abigail Shannon, and I am a second year Arts student double-majoring in English and Sociology.

My choice to take part in this particular project was motivated by an interest in what implications the increasing popularity of K-pop in the West has regarding cultural relations on a global scale. I believe this project relates to important questions around cultural soft power and the decline of ethnocentrism.

In taking part in SPUR, my hope is to further familiarise myself with a variety of research methodologies including data collection via social media. Using a platform like Twitter in academic research seems valuable, particularly when examining K-Pop fans - a research population that is largely quite young and quite 'online'.
Overall, SPUR seems like a great opportunity for me to prepare for postgraduate studies and to hone all the skills relevant to academic research. I am very much looking forward to taking part!

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Project: Labour Market Research
Mentor: Mary Murphy (primary) , Nuala Whelan, Michael Mc Gann
Bio: My name is Aaron Daniel Larkin, currently in first year studying a Bachelor of Arts. My subjects are Politics, Sociology, International Development and Critical Skills.
My interests are in inequality, largely relating to education and health. As someone from a disadvantaged area, they both are relatable to me.
My hopes are to see the research process in action, maybe learn some research techniques myself and use this to further the quality of my academic work during my degree. Part of the reason I picked this project was to help build some knowledge surrounding unemployment and see why its so prevalent in areas such as mine.

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Project: Online foundational learning: Creating an innovative online module for postgraduate law students
Mentor: Dr Edana Richardson, Professor Michael Doherty
Bio: Michael Anthony Melia
3rd year LLB interested in a future, working to help older/less abled people get/stay in work by removing/adapting barriers to employment.
Remote/self paced learning for Masters students from a non-law background should bring them to a comfortable knowledge level, ready for the year.

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Project: Sexual Mediations: Analyzing Online Discourse on Gay Male Sexuality
Mentor: Thomas Strong
Bio: My name is Jane Forte. I’m a first-year student studying BA Media Studies. My degree includes two modules of media studies, and two chosen modules of anthropology. I applied to Maynooth University because of the opportunity to study anthropology at a PhD level.
I chose to study media studies for the possibility to investigate issues of access and privilege in communication technologies, and the impacts of diversity and representation on the viewing public. The ways in which the ‘self’ is constructed and understood across social media platforms, and how this relates to offline identities, also fascinates me. As does the commodification of audiences online through the value of user-generated content and data harvesting.
I could write thousands of words defining my areas of interest throughout the vastness of anthropology. Anthropology is such a diverse and broad subject and I think that the inter-disciplinary nature of the field offers the most coherent way of understanding any case through the lens of culture. Areas of particular interest include linguistics, in how the language we use shapes our understanding of the world. Medical anthropology, and the moralisation surrounding disease and disability. And in social and cultural anthropology; gender and sexuality studies, with a focus on the social and political issues that predominantly affect men.
My hope for this SPUR project is to learn the tools to effectively carry out research projects, support my mentor in his work, and gain a true understanding of the material involved. I will take this opportunity to fully immerse myself in academic research and be open to any and all paths this takes me on.

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Project: Froebelian Principles in the 21st Century: Play environments and play opportunities for young children who experience stress
Mentor: Leah O'Toole
Bio: Louise Quinn Year 2 in BA Level 8 degree in early childhood teaching and learning. I am enjoying my coursework to date and have a keen interest in researching topics relevant to children and education. I currently work in a community creche in the middle of a re generational project who are living in a stressful changeable community at an uncertain time and I am an advocate for children to access play during this transitional period. therefore I feel this research could increase my knowledge and understanding of the children I work with and the impact and benefits of play for children who are experiencing stress.

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Project: A systematic narrative review of trauma-informed pedagogy
Mentor: Dr Catriona O’Toole
Bio: My name is Abigail Watson and I am currently in my second year of a BA, studying International Development and French. Prior to my studies in Maynooth, I did two years of a Bachelor of Education, which included studies in areas such as Psychology, Sociology and Inclusive Education, as well as all the subjects on the Irish primary school curriculum. This helped me to understand more about how children develop and how our childhood experiences play such a key role in shaping our behaviours, attitudes, cognitive development, emotional intelligence, physical and mental well-being, etc. It was my interest in these areas that drew me to this particular project - I am fascinated by the idea of researching trauma-informed pedagogy and exploring how teachers around the world are seeking to support and engage with children and young people who have experienced trauma. Furthermore, the project is of personal interest to me because I hope to work with street children in the Democratic Republic of Congo at some stage in the future, and I am sure that a greater understanding of trauma-informed pedegogy would be invaluable in that context. I am currently trying to organise a voluntary work placement within a Salesian centre for children and young people in Lubumbashi (Southern DRC), and I hope that this research project will be useful in equipping me for this context. Also, I hope to improve my research skills and academic writing abilities through the experience of participating in the SPUR programme.

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Project: Everyday climate activism
Mentor: Dr Rachel Mc Ardle
Bio: My name is Moya McCsron,I’m doing a double honors Geography and History degree with an interest in Climate Change and Activism. I’m really interested in Climate Activism,For my GY239 Spatial Justice research essay I’m writing a paper about climate and social injustice internationally due to chemical emissions and water pollution and for my GY261 essay I am writing about sustainable development.I’ve worked on a Climate and Development project with Paula Galvin from 2009 to 2016, we won an Irish Aid Award and made our town a ‘Fair Trade Town’. I went on to hold two lectures in Maynooth University about Development education and Climate in 2017.  I’ve been extremely interested in climate and environmental issues from a young age, I’ve been vegan for over four years because of this. I’ve been closely involved with Well Being week and the Green Flag committee. I was a member of the student council and was class captain. I was a prefect in school which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m a First Aid Responder and have completed a Franchise Manager course in 2020. I achieved attendance and punctuality awards in schools and achievement and dedication awards for Geography and Development Education. My hopes for the SPUR project are to enhance my professional development and learn research and transferable skills. From my research mentor, I will gain research knowledge about climate activism, and important skills in qualitative research methods, and organizing a project from start to finish. SPUR will provide me with additional IT and interpersonal project management skills. These may include networking. I will also learn more about climate change from local experts and activists. Following the summer research internship, I’ll also gain additional academic and work references. The SPUR award would provide recognition that will allow me to stand out from other students applying for the PME/Masters and for other applications in my career. I’m excited to get an experience in an office full time work setting working daily on a topic of extreme interest for myself.

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Project: Investigating the occurrences of herbaceous species
Mentor: Dr Helen Shaw
Bio:My name is Rebecca Hore, and I am a third year Bachelor of Science student intending to specialise in Biology. I've been fascinated by the natural world since I was very young, and this interest has developed into a desire to pursue a career in research in this area. Obviously, the opportunity to obtain research experience while working closely with a mentor through SPUR is something that will hopefully prove incredibly valuable to me in terms of developing and honing a range of vital skills that will assist me during the rest of my time at Maynooth (for example, in the process of completing my fourth year research project) but also that I can take into both my postgraduate study and future career. Being able to complete a project within a different department to my own is, in addition, allowing me to become immersed in the subject of paleoecology, which I would otherwise not be exposed to during the remainder of my degree.

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Project: Investigating the occurrences of herbaceous species
Mentor: Dr Helen Shaw
Bio: Aidan Murphy,second year,geography and english. Classifying pollen. Hope to learn about the research process, become more acquainted with the Geography department with a view to undertaking a Masters degree in the future.

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Project: Understanding the Luxury Consumer on Social Media
Mentor: Professor Joseph Coughlan
Bio: 1st Year International Business Student Understanding the luxury Consumer Interested in the luxury handbags and shoes industry in ireland and Russia. I hope to have a good grasp of the research process and better understanding of the luxury consumer. I also hope to expand my professional networks and enhance my problem solving skills. I would like to take this opportunity to take a relevant steps in my professional and personal development.

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Project: Understanding the Luxury Consumer on Social Media
Mentor: Professor Joseph Coughlan
Bio: My name is Ha Mi Tang, a second-year International student at Maynooth University. My major is Business and Management. This project also connects with my business in Vietnam; therefore, I believe that I can apply my experience in the Luxury market to this project. I am confident in my enthusiasm for this market and I believe I can gain more insight and understanding about luxury customers through this research project by Professor Coughlan.

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Project: Sexual Mediations: Analyzing Online Discourse on Gay Male Sexuality
Mentor: Thomas Strong
Bio: My name is Conn Mcintyre, I am a second year student studying history and anthropology as a double major. My main interest in history is the socio-political aspects of historical events. When it comes to anthropology I am very interested in how the widespread use of the internet has shaped how we communicate, and how relationships are formed and exist online. The project which I am taking part in for spur, focusing on online discourse around gay male sexuality, is very interesting to me as it deals with online communication, which as mentioned is a major interest of mine in anthropology. I am hoping to gain valuable research experience from this program and to study a project which I am passionate about.

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Project: Online foundational learning: Creating an innovative online module for postgraduate law students
Mentor: Dr Edana Richardson, Professor Michael Doherty
Bio: My name is Hilary Mullen and I am a third year BCL Law and International Development student. I am currently on my Erasmus year abroad at the University of Vienna in Austria.

I am interested in this project on providing an online module for postgraduate students for several reasons.  Firstly, because of recent events surrounding the recent circumstances of COVID-19.  How it has had a huge impact on university life throughout the world, it is now essential that third level institutions prepare for a situation like this again through online methods.  This is important to do not only for the students who may be feeling incredibly anxious over such a change but it also reduces pressure on lecturers to set things up for students in such a short period of time that are fair from both sides.
I also believe that if Maynooth University is to send out postgraduate students in the working world, they should be equipped with the skills to manage and adapt to tasks that are done in the working world.  It is important that Maynooth's students are prepared for a career in this modern, technological dependent world.  They will be representing our university in future so it is important that potential employers know that hiring a Maynooth student is the right move for their company.
A few ideas as an example that I have that could work include online tests that are timed, Multiple Choice Tests and modules that focus on IT Law (Data Protection).
I hope that by working with Professor Doherty and Dr Richardson, I will be able to further learn about online teaching overall, how it could help lecturers and students and hopefully make a difference to future Maynooth students and contribute to their further legal studies.
I believe that with their guidance and the experience that I have gained in Maynooth and in Vienna, I should be able to put together a module that focuses on technology, relevent to the modern legal world and benefits postgraduate students in their future careers.

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Project: Froebelian Principles in the 21st Century: Play environments and play opportunities for young children who experience stress
Mentor: Leah O'Toole
Bio: My name is Yvonne Hanlon. I am a second year student on the BA Early Childhood Teaching and Learning Honours Degree.

I am looking forward to  having the opportunity of working with faculty mentors and peers.  This project will give me a valuable insight into postgraduate study in a field which really interests me.

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Project: A systematic narrative review of trauma-informed pedagogy
Mentor: Dr Catriona O’Toole
Bio: Hey, my name is Yusuf Gahbiche. I'm a 3rd year Science student. I've already done a dissertation revolving around next-generation oral vaccines and had a great time and experience in that, and hope that said experience will also manifest in spur project.
I hope to gain both a better insight into pedagogy and the research 'industry', ultimately leaving with a new lens for the betterment of my education.

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Project: Collaborating with communities: creating a digital archive of adult education research
Mentor: Michael Kenny/ Bernie Grummell
Bio: My name is Clodagh Long, I am a second-year student. I am currently undergoing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Double Major in Nua-Ghaeilge and Psychological Studies. I have been awarded a scholarship for MU SPUR 2020 entitled “Collaborating with communities: creating a digital archive of adult education research” with the department of Adult and Community Education at Maynooth University. I hope that with this project I will gain experience by working with Michael Kenny and Bernie Grummell on behalf of CRALE (The Centre for Research in Adult Learning and Education). I hope I will learn new skills and broaden my knowledge of education. I hope that through the designing and organising of this online platform on which the public can easily access the information and data gathered on adult education, I will hope to further my knowledge of digital learning, design, archiving. I hope to gain a deeper insight into the research practices and ethos of adult education. I also hope to become more advanced in using the Maynooth University based systems of Teams, MURAL and the department website. These are the systems we will use to archive the multi-media-based materials involved in this project. I hope to make my summer worthwhile and rewarding by working on this project to the best of my ability.

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Project: ‘Taking Care’: An Analysis of Fitness to Practise Cases in Ireland and UK in 2019
Mentor: Dr Gloria Kirwan & Dr Brian Melaugh
Bio: Séamus Ó Maoláin Ó Catháin
1st year, BCL with arts. I am interested in the law and the way it overlaps with our daily lives. Through the spur programme, I am eager to learn about the research topic. The topic looks at fitness to practice cases. I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research process. I believe that the programme will facilitate this through engagement with researchers during their work, which presents a unique opportunity to further develop the research skills that will help me as I progress academically.

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Project: Generation Migration-Document Analysis of Self-Reporting Blogs Uncovering the Themes
Mentor: Dr Marian Crowley Henry
Bio: I am a mature student,  in my second year of a BA in Sociology and Business.  I have a deep interest in social justice, environment and business. I believe that there is a great opportunity to use a business theoretical framework in addressing the first two of my interests list above. Albeit,  with less of a profit drive in mind. This is just a hypothesis,  and I am sure I have a lot to learn.

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Project: Developing a key to fungal spores of use for palaeoecological research
Mentor: Dr Helen Shaw
Bio: My name is Cormac Quirke. I am a Third Year General Science Student, studying Biology and Chemistry. I am interested in Evolutionary biology and ecological research and I hope to pursue a career in one of these fields. For this SPUR project, I hope to assist in the development of a key that can be successfully used to identify fungal spores in palaeoecological research and learn more about this field of study at the same time.