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Issued:23/05/13
A leading expert in the psychology of gender and sexuality has been awarded an international scholarship to investigate issues with academic underachievement among ethnic minorities.
Dr Sonja Ellis, principal lecturer in psychology at Sheffield Hallam University, is one of only five people to be awarded an international scholarship by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in 2013.
Sonja Ellis has published widely on lesbian and gay issues, including homophobia. Sonja is passionate about social justice, and her research is often motivated by a commitment to bringing positive social change for marginalised groups.
Sonja said: "Much of my teaching focuses on issues of equality and diversity. I briefly worked as an academic at The University of Waikato in New Zealand, where I developed a strong interest in feminism, and in social justice as applied to indigenous populations.
"At that time, universities in New Zealand were struggling with the issue of underachievement by Maori and Pacific Island students, and looking at ways to help them succeed at university. This scholarship will bring me full circle to revisit this issue almost 20 years on. I'll be seeking to identify practices that could be adapted to support the retention and success of ethnic minority students in Britain."
Professor Craig Mahoney, Chief Executive of the HEA, said: “The award winners will work closely with the HEA over the coming months and years to help us to make a real difference to the learning experience of potentially thousands of students.
“Higher education in the UK has an enviable reputation and our International Scholars will visit many countries to share learning. As a global community we can each learn from the success and challenges experienced by our colleagues throughout the world, so that students, both at home and abroad, can benefit from the best possible learning experience. I look forward to working with our award winners as they develop and carry out their projects.”
For press information contact: Joe Field on 0114 225 2074 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk
