Personal profile

Overview

I am a Senior Lecturer in International Education at the Manchester Institute of Education and my work draws on a range of social science theories to study, for example, the formation of student experience and the (re)conceptualisation of space/place in an increasingly digital environment. I am particularly interested in the experiences of international students and how internationalisation shapes pedagogy and curricula.

Research interests

My research focuses on creating innovative, evidence-based teaching practices that enhance student engagement and success, particularly for international and marginalized groups. I use photography, as a method, to decenter language, foster participation, and recognise students as knowledge creators, amplifying diverse voices. I have worked with international students in the UK, exploring their experiences and how they create a sense of beloning. Other research interests focus on Sino-British partnerships, which explored the activities and practices of those involved in transnational education (TNE) and also the policy implications for such partnerships. 

Supervision information

I would welcome informal contact from prospective doctoral students with research interests closely aligned to the areas outlined above (e.g., a strong focus on international education and inclusion, Internatinal students, the use of technology in teaching and learning and transnational partnerships). Please send a full CV and proposed research plan that clearly demonstrates links to these areas. Information about potential postgraduate research funding at The University of Manchester is available online.

I currently supervise the following PhD colleagues:

  • Zhuo Sun: "Exploring the role of reputation management in HE"
  • Luisa Loverung: Assessing the Intersectionality of Internationalisation and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education. 

Teaching

I am Programme Director for the MA Internatinal Education, and I am unit lead for the following modules; 

  • PGT EDUC70632 Approaches to Teaching and Learning (on the MA International Education) 
  • PGT EDUC77042 Teaching and Learning Online (on the MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education) 
  • UG EDUC 24072 International Education Systems and Policies (on the BSc Education)

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 5 - Gender Equality
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Education/Academic qualification

Doctor of Philosophy, An exploration of how Chinese postgraduate students reconcile their UKHE learning experiences through a cycle of action and self-reflection, The University of Manchester

Award Date: 4 May 2020

Master of Arts, Teaching English to Young Learners , University of York

Award Date: 1 Sept 2010

Bachelor of Arts, International Business, Nottingham Trent University

Award Date: 31 Jul 2006

External positions

Senior Fellow, The Higher Education Academy

Areas of expertise

  • L Education (General)
  • Higher Education
  • International education
  • International pedagogies
  • Transnational Education
  • Technology supported learning

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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