I am a Research Associate within the Substance Use and Associated Behaviours (SUAB) research group based in the department of Sociology. I was awarded my Doctorate in February 2019 with a thesis that explored the journeys to support among women who experienced co-occurring substance use and domestic abuse victimisation.
I hold a MSc in Drug and Alcohol Studies from The University of Glasgow, a MSc in Applied Social Research from Trinity College Dublin, and a B.A (Hons) in Humanities from Dublin City University. I have professional experience in research and social care including children’s support, homelessness and women’s services.
My area of expertise is women and substance use and I am tasked with growing the women-focussed research programme within SUAB. My overarching goal is to focus on the lived experiences of substance use among women from diverse backgrounds, using narrative and creative methods, by collaborating with researchers around the world to improve service responses, and to ensure women’s voices are heard and their needs are met
SUAB PhD Group Mentor
In 2018 I founded the SUAB PhD group, which is currently being expanded internationally, and includes PhD students working in the area of substance use from around the UK. The aim of the group is to offer support to PhD students by providing a space to talk about their PhD experience, something that has been crucial during the pandemic. We invite senior academics to talk about various elements of academia and thesis writing including, how to publish from a thesis, engaging with external research partners, writing the thesis discussion chapter, being a reflexive researcher, preparing for the PhD viva, and academic CV writing. We also host presentation sessions, where the students are encouraged to practice speaking publicly about their research. I also facilitate virtual monthly writing retreats, and virtual office days.
In this role I also support the students to organise and host the annual SUAB PhD Symposium, which provides an opportunity for PhD students to come together and share their research to date. This event takes place in April 2021.
Teaching
I teach research methods and creative methdos to undergraduate and postgraduate students. I also guest lecturing on women, substance use, and domestic abuse. I am also a personal tutor to final year undergraduate students.
Everything will be grand
PhD: Women, substance use, and domestic abuse
Manchester Metropolitan University (2019)
MSc in Drug and Alcohol Studies
The University of Glasgow (2014)
MSc in Applied Social Research
Trinity College Dublin (2013)
BA(Hons) in Humanities
Dublin City University (2011)
Arts and Humanitites Ethics Committee Member
PhD Supervisor
Current:
Completed:
S. Fox, K. Berg (2022). Multiple recoveries: Substance use and trauma. In: Long-Term Recovery from Substance Use: European Perspectives. pp.80-92.
S. Fox, K. Berg (2022). ‘Multiple Recoveries – Trauma and Substance Use.’. In: Long-term recovery from substance use: international perspectives. Policy Press,
S. Fox, J. Holly (2021). Exploring the inteactions between domestic abuse, substance use and mental ill-health among women. In: Domestic abuse across the life course: safeguarding and prevention.. Jessica Kingsley Publishers,
Substance Use Among Women – Their Stories.
Pint of Science, Manchester (2019)
Barriers to support among women who experience substance use and domestic abuse.
Improving Service Provision for Survivors of Domestic Abuse with “Complex Needs”. Network event, Nottingham (2018)
“Listen” Women’s experiences of substance use and domestic abuse.
SSA Annual Conference Newcastle (2017)
Practitioners responses to domestic abuse.
University of Glasgow Drug and Alcohol Symposium (2014)
Conference Organiser - The Society for the Study of Addiction (2014-present)
Conference and webinar Organiser - SUAB (ongoing)
Symposium Organiser - SUAB PGR Symposium (2021)
Conference Organiser/Co-Founder - Drugs, Alcohol Women and Families Conference (2018)
Abstract Reviewer & Panel Chair (Addictions) - MMU PGR Conference (2017)
Peer Reviewer
Research and Knowledge Exchange Income
Ray Hodgson Award for Best Paper (ARUK PGR/EC Symposium, 2017)
MMU SU Volunteering Award (2017)
Research Student Award (FRISC MMU, 2016)
Associate: The Society for the Study of Addiction