From Bologna to Flinders

After extended travel delays, international cotutelle scholar Laura Menabò has arrived at Flinders University.

The PhD student from the University of Bologna, Italy will support  senior lecturer Dr Grace Skrzypiec and co-supervisor Professor Phillip Slee on their cyberbullying and online antibullying training research projects. This research is supported by Professor Annalisa Guarini in the Department of Psychology, University of Bologna.

Ms Menabò’s study in Adelaide will focus on teenagers’ behaviour and responses in relation to eye-tracking experiments while viewing computer materials, as well as other methods such as self-report questionnaires and focus groups.

“My research seeks to deeply understand how bullying and cyberbullying, perspective emotions associated as well as psychological outcomes, can vary between Italian and Australian teens,” she says.

The cotutelle agreement is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Flinders University researchers and the University of Bologne.

“Cotutelle represents a great important recognition, giving me the opportunity to be recognized as Doctor of Philosophy both in Italy and Australia.

“Moreover, the possibility to see how different labs and research teams work in different environments represents a crucial component for doing quality research and improving my research skills.”

Originally due in South Australia in July 2021, travel delays caused by the pandemic led Ms Menabò to seek out suitable and repeatedly delayed alternative travel dates around border closures but giving her time to apply and win a Marco Polo grant to support her Australian stay.

“I have kept in close contact with my Australian supervisors, as well as the staff at Flinders University, who have always supported and encouraged me to continue, despite the dark and difficult times in the continuation of my research. And now here I am, after a 25-hour journey I have finally landed in this beautiful and welcoming land to continue my research,” she says.

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College of Education Psychology and Social Work