I am interested in the intersections between educational research and classroom practice, with a focus on how pedagogical approaches can empower learners. My EdD explored Flipped Learning and student motivation in the EAP classroom, and I continue to develop this strand of research, particularly through the lens of Self-Determination Theory. Alongside this, I investigate Academic Literacies, pedagogies of care and belonging, and inclusive learning communities in higher education. More recently, my work has engaged with narrative and practitioner inquiry, exploring how doctoral writers and multilingual students construct their academic identities, and how institutional provision can be reimagined to support equity and empowerment.

I am both a committed practitioner and an active researcher. I act as a peer reviewer for EAP and HE focused journals. I serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, and mentor within ALDinHE. In addition, I am a mentor and assessor for Advance HE fellowships awarded via the St Andrews Recognition Scheme (STARS).

My research interests include

• Affective Theory
• Self-Determination Theory
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Feminist Pedagogies
• Flipped Learning
• Online Learning
• Technology Enhanced Learning & Technology Mediated Learning
• Academic Literacies
• English for Academic Purposes
• Multimodality
• Initial EFL Teacher Training

While working for the English Langauge Teaching Centre, The University of Sheffield, I was part of the team that the developped the Academic Literacy Resources.

As the former Director of the Academic English Service (2023–2025), I led the co-creation of the Learning and Writing Centre at St Andrews, an inclusive hub designed to support and empower students across the university. I continue to contribute to the Centre as part of its Steering Committee. Alongside this, I am involved in a wide range of programmes at IELLI, including GradSkills. I lead the intensive Supporting Learning in TESOL course. I also supervise on the MSc TESOL and the DProf TESOL programmes. One of my MSc supervisees, Angela Palmer, was recently recognised with a commendation from the British Council Master’s Dissertation Award.