Dr Ebenezer Amankwaa has been appointed to the editorial board of Children's Geographies. This international peer-reviewed journal publishes leading-edge research that engages with and advances geographical and spatial perspectives on children, young people, and families.
How do you feel about this appointment?
I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed. This role is a significant milestone in my career as a lecturer and researcher, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to advancing knowledge in children's geographies. I am enthusiastic about collaborating with esteemed colleagues, influencing the journal's direction, and engaging with cutting-edge research that aligns with my interests in inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation. This appointment will enhance my academic profile and enrich my teaching and research, ultimately allowing me to make a meaningful impact on the field and support the next generation of scholars.
How do the journal's aims and your research complement each other?
Children's Geographies aims to prioritise and amplify the voices, experiences, and perspectives of children and young people in understanding their spatial and environmental contexts. My research project aligns seamlessly with these objectives, fostering a complementary relationship that enhances the journal's mission and my research goals.
What are some of the direct links to your research?
There are numerous examples of how this might be a match made in heaven.
Focus on Children's Perspectives: The journal emphasises the importance of incorporating children's viewpoints in geographical research. My project centres on understanding how schoolchildren perceive and adapt to extreme heat, directly engaging with their experiences and coping strategies.
Environmental and Health Insights: The journal explores how environmental factors affect children's lives. By investigating the impacts of extreme heat on schoolchildren's health and well-being, my research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between environmental conditions and children's daily experiences.
Climate Change Adaptation: The journal addresses contemporary issues such as climate change and its effects on children. My project on schoolchildren's adaptation to extreme heat directly addresses the challenges posed by climate change, offering strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptation. These are critical areas of interest for the journal.
Inclusive Development and Policy Implications: The journal aims to inform policies that better the lives of children. By analysing how school infrastructure and policies can be improved to cope with extreme heat, my research provides practical recommendations for inclusive development and policy interventions that protect and enhance children's learning environments.
Can you describe the enhanced impact that you expect for your research?
Children's Geographies and my research project on schoolchildren's adaptation to extreme heat in schools complement each other by sharing a common goal of understanding and improving children's experiences within their environmental and spatial contexts. As an urban geographer with research expertise in inclusive development and environmental sustainability, I see significant overlaps between my overall research interests and the aims of this journal. The commitment to integrating young people's perspectives aligns with my focus on creating inclusive urban environments and sustainable solutions. Children's Geographies prioritise young people's attitudes and enrich my research in urban geography, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. By providing a platform that values the insights and experiences of children and youth, the journal complements and enhances my work in creating more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.
What does this appointment mean for your career development?
This appointment will significantly advance my career as a lecturer and researcher by enhancing my academic reputation and professional network. This role will give me unique insights into the latest research trends and methodologies, which I can incorporate into my teaching and research. Additionally, it will offer opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars, contributing to high-quality publications and research projects. This position will also enable me to influence the direction of research in children's geographies, aligning with my interests in inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation. Furthermore, it will strengthen my ability to mentor students and junior researchers by providing them access to cutting-edge research and publication opportunities. This appointment will enhance my academic profile, research output, and contribution to urban geography and inclusive development.
What has your experience been since your appointment?
So far, the experience has been enriching. I have had the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of high-quality research submissions, gaining deeper insights into emerging trends and methodologies in the field of children's geographies. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues on the board has expanded my professional network and provided valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary discussions and projects.
Reviewing manuscripts and contributing to editorial decisions has enhanced my critical analysis and academic writing skills, positively influencing my teaching and research. I have also brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas back to my students and colleagues, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Moreover, this role has allowed me to advance an African perspective in advocating for research that prioritises inclusive development and environmental sustainability, aligning closely with my research interests. My experience has been highly fulfilling, furthering my professional growth and academic contributions.
Ebenezer Amankwaa in conversation with Heidi Sonnekus
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