Biography

With a background in Outdoor Adventure Education and a passion for both formal and informal teaching approaches, I am following a career as a Senior Lecturer and Subject Area Leader for Education and Childhood Studies. My previous role was in Further Education (FE) where I completed my Master's degree in Outdoor Education, continuing my research interests with publication on a journey to complete a PhD. I value my professional development highly and strive to innovate my practice, sharing with others, especially with digital approaches to education. My research interests focus on practical intervention and education from a relational perspective, currently encompassing technology and learning (digital tools, online delivery, digital assessment, and practitioner confidence), and pastoral care for undergraduate students. I aim to be a reflective practitioner, innovating every aspect of my practice; welcoming new projects, and regularly trialing approaches for effectiveness.

• I have experience working in various educational environments, including outdoor settings (UK and abroad), multi-day expeditions, outdoor activities, formal education environments, and online; 

• Working with both children and young people in outdoor environments has given me professional insight into various aspects of my discipline (Childhood Studies);

• I am currently leading the Education and Childhood Studies courses at the University of Portsmouth as the Subject Area Leader. This involves line management of 24 academic staff, overseeing multiple postgraduate and undergraduate courses with over 700 students;

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE); 

• Integral to the development of pastoral practices in the undergraduate provision in Education, using digital tools; 

• Creation and development of undergraduate employability ePortfolios; 

• Delivery of ‘sharing good practice’ sessions school and university-wide; 

• Integral to the University’s ‘Study Buddy’ online provision for children in response to Covid-19 and remote working/ homeschooling;
  
• Leading major curriculum reform in Childhood Studies courses, introducing new modules and new pathways in collaboration with Childhood Studies team members.