Roisin O'Sullivan

Bio: Roisin O'Sullivan is an academic researcher from University College Dublin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Chemistry & Community health. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 9 citations.

Transformative Rehabilitation: Exploring Prisoners’ Experiences of the Community Based Health and First Aid Programme in Ireland

Abstract: Using an assisted desistance framework, this paper explores the lived experiences of 11 volunteers on the Community Based Health and First Aid programme, which operates in 14 prisons across Ireland and aims to enhance community health, hygiene awareness and first aid knowledge among prisoners through peer-to-peer education. The findings suggest that participation fostered a sense of agency among volunteers and facilitated the development of a new non-criminal self, centred on the ‘wounded healer’ identity. Additionally, participation appeared to deepen volunteers’ pro-social bonds with other prisoners, staff and families. The contribution of these findings to knowledge about desistance and desistance-focused practice is considered.

Isolation of casein for stable isotope ratio analysis of butter, cheese, and milk powder

Abstract: Rationale Stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) is commonly used for the authentication of dairy commodities, providing evidence to support the geographical origin and production background of products. We set out to optimise methods for the isolation of a common constituent (casein) from three dairy commodities, which would permit easier inter‐ and intra‐commodity comparisons following SIRA. Methods Three published methods for isolation of protein (from cheese, milk, and butter) were adapted to yield protein (casein) fractions from commercial cheddar cheese, whole milk powder (WMP), and butter samples with a high degree of purity for subsequent SIRA. The casein fractions isolated underwent elemental analysis (H, C, and N), protein determination, and some also underwent SIRA of O and S. Two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc comparisons tested differences between methods. Results For each product, an optimised casein isolation method was chosen based on the C/N ratio and protein content. An optimum solvent lipid extraction (petroleum spirit–diethyl ether (2:1)) and casein precipitation method was chosen for cheddar cheese casein. A final solvent lipid extraction (heptane–isopropanol (3:2)) was necessary for WMP and butter casein extraction. δ13C and δ2H values validated the methods' abilities to remove contaminating lipid and isolate pure casein. Conclusions Casein of high purity, for subsequent SIRA, can be isolated from cheddar cheese, WMP, and butter following modifications of previously published methods.

Peer Support, Desistance and the Role of the Third Sector

Abstract: This article explores the limits and possibilities of peer support schemes within a prison setting. The theoretical lens is that of desistance, with particular attention given to the concepts of ‘giving back’ and ‘being listened to’ as intentional means of fostering prosocial attitudes and outcomes. The analysis is based upon formal evaluation and informal critical reflections pertaining to the Prison Support Program delivered by the Australian Red Cross in Tasmania, Australia. The article considers the political landscape of law and order in Tasmania, and where the third sector fits into contemporary configurations. It outlines the foundational concepts and relationship elements that underpin peer support programmes, and discusses the practical barriers and opportunities that shape grounded practice. It concludes with a series of observations that might usefully guide the development and improvement of peer support schemes as they continue to evolve and respond to changing institutional circumstances and political environments.

What works to change identity? A Rapid Evidence Assessment of interventions

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a rapid evidence assessment that aimed to identify the characteristics and efficacy of interventions that aimed to or reportedly changed personal or social identity. Following a rapid but systematic search of the published, peer-reviewed research on identity change, 400 studies or reviews were screened for eligibility for inclusion in the review, and 22 were retained. The interventions and samples were diverse and studies came from a broad geographic area. The quality of the research varied, but the majority was assessed as carrying a low weight of evidence. Just under two-thirds of the studies were qualitative, and most explored, retrospectively, participants’ perceptions of, or applied theoretical frameworks to, identity change some time after an intervention. Quantitative studies provided little evidence of the effectiveness of interventions in changing identity. Qualitative studies most commonly applied and then supported the Social Identity Theory of Identity Change to explain perceived changes in identity. Implications for research are discussed.