Current Profile

Profil picture of Shirley Atkinson

I am currently both a Research Fellow and an Associate Lecturer at the University of Plymouth. I am based in the Centre for Information Security and Network Research group

My research follows on from my PhD by looking at the mechanisms behind how young people keep themselves safe online. I am currently leading a one year, Becta supported research programme, where peer education approaches are combined with e-safety education in the creation of the role of e-safety ambassadors (ESAs) for year 10's. You can read more here at the offical ESA site

I deliver lectures in:

I also help with tutorials for C#programming - SOFT 130

My research interests cover privacy within all forms of internet mediated communications. I have a special interest in the impact of technology on Domestic Abuse Survivors and Teenagers. I am also interested in how we can learn to protect individuals online by observing and learning about their motivations when interacting with the technology.

I also undertake small programming contracts - database applications are my speciality along with web based applications. However I am not a designer, and concentrate on delivering functionality rather than things that look pretty (designers are really good at that). One exciting project I am involved with at the moment is with 2.0 Ltd

On the personal side, I am involved with the Woodcraft Folk, a cooperative children's charity where I am not only involved in leading a team of 8 volunteers running group night activities and residential events, but am also the current chair of the South West Region

I am also involved in the heritage drama group, Platform 9 , where our most recent project was a play about George Templer and the granite railway.

More information about my hobbies are to be found on the Interests page

Background

I came to academia late, but so enjoyed the challenge and excitement of research and learning that I am working on staying within the field.  Early in 2008 I was awarded my Doctorate.  My thesis examined how individuals might protect themselves against the abuse and harm that can happen to them through the internet mediated manipulation of personal information.  The research examined how technology might be enhanced to assist the individual in controlling the amount of personal information they might give out.  My thesis is entitled "Risk Reduction through Technological Control" and outlines how I examined privacy risks for two groups of individuals for whom privacy was an important issue: domestic abuse survivors and teenagers.

Prior to being invited to apply to do apply for the scholarship to enroll for the PhD, I had a brief spell working for the NHS Information Authority as it was then, now the NHS Connecting for Health.  This was at a very interesting time.  My work involved maintaining and investigating data quality issues for the National Strategic Tracing Service database. This was at a time of great change, when the National Programme for IT was being instigated. I was later to be invited back as a contractor to assist with resolving specific data quality issues.

I acheived a first class pass for the BSc (Hons) Computing Informatics degree as a mature student. I now share my experiences with potential mature students on open days.

You can read more about my research here along with a list of my publications.

I have represented the University of Plymouth on Internet safety and Internet matters at both Plymouth Sound and Radio Devon in addition to a Spotlight appearance.