Dr Aisling McLaughlin is a Lecturer in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Prior to joining Ulster University in 2021, she was a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Manchester (2020-2021) and Queen's University Belfast (2019-2020). She was a Research Fellow at Queen's University Belfast (2008-2019) and previously held research posts at Ulster University (2007-2008) and the National Children's Bureau (2004-2005). 

Aisling is a mixed methods researcher and is experienced in systematic reviews, secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort studies, feasibilty studies and randomised controlled trials. Her research interests focus on adolescent development and the impact of adversity (particularly parent/carer drug use) on family processes/parenting and child/adolescent outcomes (psychological, social, educational).  

Current teaching

PUP103- Study Skills for Criminologists

PUP120- Crime & Criminal Justice

PUP308- Research Methods for Criminologists

PUP546- Preparing for your Criminology Dissertation

PUP510- Dissertation

Previous teaching

PUP321- Young People, Crime & Justice

Tobias Niblock- Exploring young people's involvement in drug markets in Northern Ireland. ESRC NINE DTP.

Jessica Spratt: Drug consumption amongst members of the LGBTQ+ communities in Northern Ireland. ESRC NINE DTP. 

Naomi Dickson: Examining Cocaine Use in Northern Ireland.

Kiara Moore: Exploring the relationship between trauma and problematic substance use in Northern Ireland.

Barnardos trauma informed approach for children and parents experiencing substance use: evaluation in Lorien and Ballyogan services (South Dublin)

McLaughlin, A. & Harris, J.

Barnardos Ireland

April 2022- March 2025

Evaluation of Carlise House substance use residential rehabilitation Tier4b service

Harris, J. & McLaughlin, A.

July 2022-July 2027