Dr Nia Young
Lecturer in Education / Director of Teaching and Learning
Overview
Dr. Nia Young is the Director of Professional Learning and Community Engagement at the School of Education, and she lectures in Childhood and Youth Studies as well as in Counselling Children and Young People. Her research centers on minority language use and its impact on children's self-esteem. As a dedicated advocate for children’s rights, Dr. Young has promoted youth voice in decision-making processes through her role with the Wales Observatory on the Human Rights of the Child and by founding Bangor’s Youth Summits. These summits gather children and young people from across Wales to meet with politicians and researchers, encouraging discussions on the changes young people want to see to secure their futures.
Dr. Young also collaborated with Wrexham University to deliver the Children’s University in North Wales, expanding children and young people's access to extracurricular activities to inspire greater opportunities and aspirations. A strong proponent of children's wellbeing and participation rights, she is deeply engaged in exploring how societal perceptions of childhood shape children’s experiences and opportunities.
Qualifications
- MSc: Counselling
2022 - PhD: The Literacy and Self-Esteem of Children Attending Welsh-Medium and English-Medium Schools in Wales
2015 - Professional: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education
2013 - Professional: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary)
2004 - BSc: Psychology
2003
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
I am willing to supervise a PhD
Publications
2024
- PublishedChildhood and youth studies and the new Curriculum for Wales: Synergies and opportunities
Underwood, C., Thomas, E., Smith, A.-M., Williams, N., Kyffin, F. & Young, N., 31 Jul 2024, In: Wales Journal of Education. 26, 1, 20 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2022
- PublishedWorking towards diagnosing bilingual children's literacy abilities: Some key considerations for teachers in Wales
Thomas, E., Fontaine, L., Aldridge-Waddon, M., Sullivan, K., Owen, C., Winter, F., Young, N., Lloyd-Williams, S., Gruffudd, G., Dafydd, M. & Caulfield, G., 16 Dec 2022, In: Wales Journal of Education.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2019
- PublishedTeasing apart factors influencing executive function performance in bilinguals and monolinguals at different ages: Teasing apart factors
Gathercole, V., Thomas, E., Vinas-Guasch, N., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N., Roberts, E., Hughes-Parry, E. & Jones, L., 12 Jun 2019, Bilingualism, Executive Function, and Beyond: Questions and insights. Sekerina, I., Spradlin, L. & Valian, V. (eds.). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins, Vol. 57 . p. 295-336 42 p. (Studies in Bilingualism; vol. 57).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
2017
- PublishedThe linguistic, cognitive and emotional advantages of minority language bilingualism
Young, N., Rhys, M., Kennedy, I. A. & Thomas, E., 1 Feb 2017, Bilingualism and Minority Language in Europe: Current Trends and Developments. Lauchlan, F. & Parafita Couto, M. D. C. (eds.). Cambridge Scholars Publishing, p. 120-142
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
2016
- PublishedHow the 'Santa lie' helps teach children to be good little consumers
Smith, A.-M. & Young, N., 20 Dec 2016, The Conversation.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedTeasing apart factors influencing Executive Function performance in bilinguals and monolinguals at different ages
Gathercole, V. C. M., Thomas, E. M., Viñas Guasch, N., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N. E., Roberts, E. J., Hughes, E. K. & Jones, L., Oct 2016, In: Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism. 6, 5, p. 605-647
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2015
- PublishedExpanding horizons or ruining Disney? An investigation of students’ experience of threshold concepts in Childhood Studies.
Young, N., Smith, A.-M. & Swerdlow, T., Jun 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedThe dragon in the room: Pedagogical reflections on teaching and learning in a bilingual environment.
Young, N. & Smith, A.-M., Jun 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
2014
- PublishedDoes language dominance affect cognitive performance in bilinguals? Lifespan evidence from preschoolers through older adults on card sorting, Simon, and metalinguistic tasks
Kennedy, I. A., Young, N. E., Gathercole, V. C., Thomas, E. M., Kennedy, I., Prys, C., Young, N., Viñas Guasch N., [. V., Roberts, E. J., Hughes, E. K. & Jones, L., 5 Feb 2014, In: Frontiers in Psychology: Developmental Psychology. 5
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedShifting attitudes and critical thinking in students of childhood studies: A pilot study.
Young, N., Jun 2014.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
2013
- PublishedBilingualism, orthography and self-esteem: How children learning to read and write in Welsh and English view themselves
Young, N. & Thomas, E., Apr 2013.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
2011
- PublishedFactors influencing literacy skills and self-esteem of students learning to read in transparent vs. opaque orthographies
Young, N., Nov 2011.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
2010
- PublishedCognitive effects of bilingualism: digging deeper for the contributions of language dominance, linguistic knowledge, socio-economic status and cognitive abilities
Gathercole, V. M., Thomas, E. M., Jones, L., Guash, N. V., Young, N. & Hughes, E. K., 1 Sept 2010, In: International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism. 13, 5, p. 617-664
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
2025
- EEUK Enterprise Exchange: Enterprise Education and ITE (Initial Teacher Education)
Online event led by the School of Education (Bangor University)
26 Jun 2025
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)
2024
- International Enterprise Educators Conference 2024
4 Sep 2024 – 6 Sep 2024
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Participant) - Uwchgynhadledd Ieuenctid ar Dechnoleg
The Sixth Bangor Youth Summit. Giving Secondary School pupils an opportunity to come together to discuss Technology and Children. With interactive workshops in Bangor University's Student Activity Hub.
30 Jun 2024
Links:
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Organiser)
2023
- Uwchgynhadledd Ieuenctid ar Iechyd Meddwl
Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit
10 Nov 2023
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Organiser) - Uwchgynhadledd Ieuenctid ar Lais y Disgybl
Pupil Voice Summit (Primary)
30 Apr 2023
Links:
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)
2020
- Ail Uwchgynhadledd ar Newid Hinsawdd 2nd Summit on Climate Change
2nd Summit on Climate Change
Summit for schools to discuss and showcase work on Climate Change. Opportunity for schools to contribute to Welsh Government inquiry - The Circular Economy - Beyond recycling.
27 Feb 2020
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Participant)
2019
- Uwchgynhadledd Ieuenctid ar Newid Hinsawdd - Youth Summit on Climate Change
An opportunity for primary school pupils to meet speakers working on Climate Change projects
18 Oct 2019
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker) - Uwchgynhadledd Ieuenctid ar Newid Hinsawdd / Youth Summit on Climate Change
Bringing together children and young people from across North Wales to discuss their concerns about climate change and help them to voice their expectations for change.
5 Jul 2019
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Schools engagement (Organiser)
2017
- Bangor Interdisciplinary Conference on Childhood and Youth
28 Jun 2017 – 30 Jun 2017
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)
2016
- International Conference on Bilingualism in Education, Bangor University
International Conference on Bilingualism in Education
10 Jun 2016 – 12 Jun 2016
Links:
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Organiser)
Projects
-
01/11/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)
-
KESS II MRes with GWE- BUK2217
01/11/2021 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)
-
KESS II East MRes with GWE- BUK2E060
01/10/2021 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)