Overview

I joined Exeter University in 2017 as a Doctoral Researcher based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in Truro, Cornwall. My PhD examined how schools can nurture healthier and more environmentally aware young people, using mixed methods including evidence synthesis and qualitative approaches.

Since completing my thesis, I have worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in The Graduate School of Education before returning to Public Health and Sports Sciences as a Lecturer. I am Coordinator of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Public Health (SPHR) Public Partners Advisory Network (PPaN), and I am also a qualified Primary School Teacher and have worked in schools since 2013, teaching across Key Stage 1 and 2. I also have experience as a Curriculum Leader for Physical Education and in designing and delivering a range of outdoor experiential learning activities and social and emotional learning interventions for children.

Qualifications

• PhD Medical Studies
• MSc Environment, Culture and Society 
• BA Hons Primary Teacher Education with Qualified Teacher Status 

Back to top

Research

Research interests

My research interests include children and young people's wellbeing, the implementation of evidence-based practice in educational settings, and public involvement and engagement in research. I am particularly interested in the connections between these areas.

In terms of methods, I have a particular interest in evidence synthesis, qualitative approaches, and realist review. I am also passionate about developing new approaches in public involvement and engagement which generate co-production and creativity

Research projects

Currently, I am working on a project funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) which is examining the implementation of evidence-based practice in the school context. Particularly, how implementation is conceptualised, how it works, for who and in which contexts. I work with colleagues across Public Health and Education on four research packages including theoretical evidence review, a mixed method study of senior leaders based in English schools, evidence mapping, and realist synthesis. 

The findings of this project will inform the evidence base around school-based implementation as well as informing guidance and resources for schools developed by the EEF

Grants

• Education Endowment Foundation 2021-2022: A review of the evidence of implementation in education to inform an update to the Education Endowment Foundation guidance report ‘Putting Evidence to Work: A School’s Guide to Implementation’

Back to top

Publications

Back to top

External Engagement and Impact

Committee/panel activities

Deputy Chair of NIHR SPHR Early Career Researcher Network (ResNet).

Back to top

Teaching

Back to top