Summary

I am the Associate Head (Research and Innovation) in the School of Education and Sociology.

Research interests

My research has two bifurcations:

•  the first is my work based on my PhD thesis which employs posthuman and new material feminist theorising and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) subjectivities and professional identity; 

• the second is linked to challenging normative views of method/ology and knowledge production working with posthuman and post-qualitative modes of conference workshops.

My research interests have been driven by my background in ECEC and teaching. I have shifted towards a posthuman, new material feminist theoretical position as it enables me to have a new purchase on ECEC events, particularly those connected to subjectivity. My work seeks to broaden current views and aims to produce a more generative, vital, connected, ethical and political way to enact ECEC research. My research is theoretical, but has been empirically applied in my articles on curriculum, leadership, emotional labour, gender and teacher training. It includes and ongoing project which has given me the opportunity to explore posthuman subjectivity and places/spaces in ECEC classrooms and gardens. 

I am a founder member and actively part of an International research group exploring post-qualitative method/ology and knowledge production at/in conference spaces. I also engage in post-qualitative research into gender positioning in both higher education and ECEC.

I review for a range of ECEC and gender focussed journals and grant funding bodies and am on the Editorial Board of Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood. I am currently Co-Convener for the BERA Special Interest Group in Early Childhood Education and Care.

I have worked closely with ECEC organisations such as Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network and was part of the development of the Graduate Practitioner Competencies and as Co-Vice Chair of Research and Knowledge Exchange.

My previous roles include the University of Chichester, a Montessori ECEC setting in the UK and I have had various leadership roles in the private sector.

Teaching responsibilities

I teach on the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree and and range of other degrees within the School. I am also the link tutor for our Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education.

EdD/PhD students

I am the School of Education and Sociology Associate Head (Research and Innovation) and work with the School Executive to support and develop strategic research opportunities.

I am happy to consider EdD/PhD inquiries from students who wish explore proposals in Early Childhood Education and Care.