Dr. Nia Young is the Director of Professional Learning and Community Engagement at the School of Education, and she lectures in Childhood and Youth Studies as well as in Counselling Children and Young People. Her research centers on minority language use and its impact on children's self-esteem. As a dedicated advocate for children’s rights, Dr. Young has promoted youth voice in decision-making processes through her role with the Wales Observatory on the Human Rights of the Child and by founding Bangor’s Youth Summits. These summits gather children and young people from across Wales to meet with politicians and researchers, encouraging discussions on the changes young people want to see to secure their futures.
Dr. Young also collaborated with Wrexham University to deliver the Children’s University in North Wales, expanding children and young people's access to extracurricular activities to inspire greater opportunities and aspirations. A strong proponent of children's wellbeing and participation rights, she is deeply engaged in exploring how societal perceptions of childhood shape children’s experiences and opportunities.