Suzanne Duffin

After graduating from the University of Sheffield with a BMedSci(Hons) in Speech Science, I worked for many years as a Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS and gained a PgCert in the Autism Spectrum from Sheffield Hallam University.

I completed an MSc in Information Systems here at the Information School in 2016 and have since worked as a Research Assistant on projects in the Human Communication Sciences Department and the Information School.

PhD project

My PhD research aims to explore autistic people’s information needs and information sharing behaviours, which is an under-researched area within the field of information science. The study is focusing on information sharing within online support and discussion groups designed for autistic people, as there is evidence that online settings may be particularly helpful for this community.

It is hoped that this research project will lead to a better understanding of autistic people’s information needs and behaviours, and that the knowledge gained will be of value in developing informational support and services in a wide range of areas, that may meet the needs of autistic people more effectively.

Supervisors

• Peter Bath
• Laura Sbaffi

Research interests

• Information behaviours
• Health informatics
• Human communication
• Computer and internet-mediated communication
• Digital societies
• Disability and autism

Funding and awards

Awarded a University of Sheffield Faculty PhD Scholarship 2017