Research Associate at University of Glasgow
Past event
The ECR Journey: At Crossroads of Becoming

On this 2nd ECR Annual Conference we continued to celebrate the ECR journeys and welcomed educational researchers and practitioners to join us in Leeds.
This year’s conference was anchored on the theme of ‘becoming’ as educational researchers, a significant aspect of the ECR journey. Learning to become is a process that is complex and multi-layered which does not only involve the knowledge we acquire and the skills we learn to do but transcends this to who we are ‘becoming’. We define becoming as a cyclical process of change and transformation that is both enjoyable and challenging, yet pertinent to our development as educational researchers.
This year we acknowledged this ontological dimension of the ECR journey and celebrated the transformation of the professional, intellectual, personal self as an integral aspect of this journey.
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Keynote speakers

Professor at Leeds Beckett University
Mhairi C Beaton is Professor at the Carnegie School of Education, Leeds Beckett University. After completing a Bachelor of Education at University of Edinburgh, Mhairi worked as a primary school teacher in Highland Region in the north of...
Former professor of teacher education at Leeds Beckett University
Rachel Lofthouse is former professor of teacher education at Leeds Beckett University, England. She founded CollectivED, a research and practice centre with a focus on coaching, mentoring and professional learning. Rachel has been engaged in...
Presenters
PhD Student at Cardiff University
I am currently completing a PhD research studentship with the Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health and DECIPHer Centre at Cardiff University. My interests include youth mental health, neurodiversity and complex school systems.
Doctoral researcher at University of Glasgow
I am a doctoral researcher, educator and learning designer from the School of Education here at UofG. Having expertise in teaching and learning in higher education, I am devoted to academic & educational development of early career academics...
Deputy Head of School at Leeds Trinity University
My career began in the primary school, working across the key stages in schools located in North Wales and London. Since leaving the school classroom, I have worked in three universities and am currently Deputy Head of School at Leeds Trinity,...
Leeds Trinity University
Amanda is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Leeds Trinity University. She has recently completed doctoral study at the University of Oxford, focused on building a rich understanding of how teachers experience transitions and...
Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Sheffield Hallam University
Amy is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Sheffield Institute of Education (SIoE), Sheffield Hallam University. She leads both the Mathematics Education and Science Education degrees (with QTS) and contributes to the PGCE secondary...

Postgraduate Researcher at King's College London
Anja Stumpf is a postgraduate researcher at King’s College London in the School of Education, Communication and Society. She holds a BA in Music from Berklee College of Music (2016) and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages...
Research Fellow and Doctoral Student at University of Sussex
Anna is Research Fellow for the Centre for Innovation and Research in Wellbeing (CIRW) and a Doctoral Researcher, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through the South East Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS) doctoral...
Research Student at Coventry University
PhD student and junior lecturer hailing from Indonesia, with a research focus on Higher Education, complemented by a background in Accounting and Management.

PhD student at Aston University
Caroline Godfrey is a PhD student at Aston University. Having been an English teacher for 13 years, her current research deliberately intersects the fields of English Education and Applied Linguistics, principally using metaphor studies as a way...

Teacher Education (PSET) Lecturer (ESOL and Literacy Lead) at Bradford College
Cathy Clarkson started teaching English as a Foreign Language in China, before returning to England where she has worked in further education, firstly to teach ESOL before moving into initial teacher education. She is doing a part-time EdD...
PhD Student at University of Strathclyde
Charlotte is currently undertaking a PhD researching the audience experience of Theatre for Early Years. She is interested in how very young children and their adult companions encounter live performance together.
University of Bristol
I work within UK higher education in professional services, currently at the University of Bristol as Head of Assessment. I am an early career research in educational research, having completed a Masters in International Higher Education, and a...

PhD Student/teacher at Kings College London
Chris Reid is a doctoral researcher in science education at King’s College London whose research looks at the role of curiosity in secondary science classrooms. Before beginning his PhD, he taught physics for more than a decade, holding...
Principal Lecturer (Interim) at University of Central Lancashire
My philosophy in life is simple. Be curious! Be bold! Be you! Energised by the human spirit, my mission is to create barrier free learning opportunities through experimentation and deconstruction of the normal. I champion the courage to try...
Postgraduate Researcher at University of Leeds
Durdona Karimova Farkhodovna is an accomplished educator with a rich and diverse background in language teaching, teacher training, and academic leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in English Linguistics from The Uzbek State World Languages...

Postgraduate Researcher at Nottingham Trent University
Elinor is a NTU funded Postgraduate researcher at Nottingham Trent University, within the Social Work, Care and Community Department. Elinor's research is situated in the field of Critical Youth Studies, with focus upon the intersection of arts...
Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at University of Leeds
I am a Cognitive & Developmental Psychologist researching typing skill in children and adults via gamified experiments.

PhD Student at University of Leeds
Hannah Wainwright is a PGR in the School of Education at the University of Leeds. Following a decade-long career as a primary school teacher, Hannah’s PhD research looks at the ways in which participatory drama is being used to support...

Course Leader RE PGCE and Senior Lecturer at Edge Hill University
Heather Marshall is Senior Lecturer in Education at Edge Hill University. Her research interests include divergent worldviews, equality, diversity and inclusion in education, and pedagogy and curriculum development. She is currently the Secondary...

Educational Developer at International Kinesiology College
I am an independent educator with the International Kinesiology College. I am currently completing an Ed.D. with Dublin City University where my research focuses on instructors' professional learning.
Specialist Study Skills Tutor (HE), Workplace Strategy Coach, Mentor (Autistic Spectrum) at York St. John University
I entered academia from medicine, where I practised nursing and taught pre-qualification key skills to nurses studying for their BTech degrees. I also assessed and verified NVQ awards. As a member of the Institute for Learning’s Advisory...
Research Fellow at University of Surrey
Jeremiah Olusola has just completed his PhD. He is DARPL's Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Alongside this Welsh Government funded Post-Doc, Jeremiah is undertaking a research project with the British Library’s...
PhD candidate at University of Sunderland
Jo Fletcher-Saxon is a PhD candidate with Sunderland University and an assistant principal and practitioner research lead at Ashton Sixth Form College. Jo’s remit at the college includes leadership of adult education, college-based higher...
Independent Researcher/Consultant/Director (Contemporary Visual Arts Network London) at N/A
Dr Jo Townshend is an artist-leader-researcher working at the intersection of arts and education. As an independent researcher and consultant, she brings leadership and management experience from across cultural, school, college and university...
Senior Lecturer in Executive Education at Liverpool John Moores University
As an experienced business school lecturer of over 20 years, I recently completed my Doctorate in Education. My EdD research centred on concepts of identity, analysing how amateur arts-based practice shapes university business school lecturers’...
University of Bath
Karen is in her final year of studying for a PhD in Education at the University of Bath, UK. Her doctoral research aims to contribute a novel way of conceptualising students’ placements on Early Childhood Studies degrees as more-than-human...
Lecturer in Education at UCL IOE
Karen Hanrahan is a lecturer in Languages Education at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society. Prior to this, Karen was a principal lecturer in Education at the University of Brighton, where she worked for 10 years. She began her higher...

Professional Doctorate of Education student at Cardiff Metropolitan University
Karen Zecca is a Professional Doctorate of Education student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Focusing on enhancing disability and sport education, her research interests predominantly revolve around disability, sport and education, with a...
School teacher and EdD student at University of the West of England
Katie Pyne is currently in part two of for her educational doctorate (EdD) at the University of the West of England. Her research looks at the way in which different teacher preparation routes influence the identity of early career teachers,...

Educator/Post Graduate Researcher at Edge Hill University
Keisha Ann Stewart is a PhD researcher and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Edge Hill University. Having taught English both locally and internationally, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her research projects. Keisha Ann is committed...
Seminar Tutor / PhD Candidate at Institute of Education
Kristy Campbell is a Researcher and Artist, currently pursuing a PhD within the department of Education, Practice and Society at the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, London. Prior to this, she completed an MA in Education (IOE,...

Postgraduate researcher at University of Leeds
Kubra Alhawamdeh is a postgraduate researcher in the Faculty of Education at the University of Leeds, focusing on Early Childhood Education. With a BA from Dumlupınar University and an MA from the University of Sheffield, her research delves...
Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
I am a Senior Lecturer in Primary and Early Years Education at Sheffield Hallam University, where I lead our English Initial Teacher Education curriculum across PGCE and Undergraduate courses. I am also a doctoral student at Sheffield Hallam and...
DPhil Education Student - University of Oxford at University of Oxford
My name is Louise Christine Nicolson and I have recently started full-time DPhil Education study at the University of Oxford. My doctoral research, provisionally titled "Graduate capabilities and higher education policy: Rethinking educational...
PhD student at Faculty of Education
Luwei Bai is a probationary Ph.D. candidate in Education at the University of Cambridge, building upon her MPhil in Educational Leadership and School Improvement from the same institution. Her research is at the forefront of integrating...
Primary teacher & EdD researcher at University of Strathclyde
Lynne is a primary teacher and part-time doctoral researcher on the supporting teacher learning pathway at the Strathclyde Institute of Education. Her thesis explores how teacher leadership is understood and experienced in Scotland.
PhD researcher at University of Glasgow
PhD researcher at University of Leeds
Marianne Talbot is a post-transfer PhD researcher at the University of Leeds School of Education. Her area of interest is the impact of professional development in educational assessment on assessors, including qualified teachers, university...

PhD student at University of Lincoln
I am currently a PhD student studying the development of prosocial decision-making and behaviour in business owners. Drawing upon over 50 years of experience in the workplace, I am adopting a multi-disciplinary and participative approach that...
Research Fellow at University of Birmingham
Mehmet Demir is currently a research fellow in the Department of Education and Social Justice at the University of Birmingham. He holds a PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh, a first-class honours master’s degree...
Academic Skills Tutor at Arden University
I was awarded my PhD in 2021 and my research is concerned with how students experience the transition from FE into HE. I currently work for Arden University as an Academic Skills Tutor in a hybrid remote role. I am also an honorary visiting...
Assist. Prof. at TED University
I am an experienced higher education professional with a demonstrated history of international education, curriculum development for teacher training and professional development programs, and teaching diverse groups of undergraduate and graduate...

Professional Tutor at University of Glasgow & Liverpool Hope University
I am a fifth-year part-time PhD student. My interests are in the areas of assessment and education change through policy development. My current study is a comparison between England and Scotland. I also work full-time as a PGCE tutor for...
Doctoral student at University of Oxford
Nadia Talukder is a doctoral student at the University of Oxford and Visiting Lecturer in Education at Birmingham Newman University. Nadia’s doctoral research relates to identity transformation in teacher education; She is conducting an...
Lecturer at University Campus Football Business
Noel Dempsey is a lecturer in football coaching and management at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB). His research interests centre around formal coach education and the wider policy developments that inform it. Other qualitative...

Doctoral Student at University of Wolverhampton
Nysha Chantel Givans is a PhD researcher at the University of Wolverhampton, focusing on the empowerment of marginalised communities through traditional storytelling. Her work examines how storytelling fosters identity, strengthens community...
Post- Doctoral Fellow at Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Dr Parul Anand has a doctorate from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai in the area of Educational Policy changes and Teacher Professionalism. Currently, she is working as Post- Doctoral Fellow- Teacher Education at the Centre for...
Lecturer in Communication at Bournemouth University
Dr Phil Wilkinson has a background in computer science, but is now a critical education practitioner and researcher. He utilizes a Latourian ‘Bricoleur’ approach through adopting a participatory action research methodology, and a range of...
Doctoral student at University of Oxford
Rachel Robinson is a doctoral student at Oxford and her research focuses on exploring the experiences of Black and minority ethnic trainee teachers and their relationships with their mentors and learning environment, through emphasising the...
PhD Student and Instructor at University of Calgary
Razieh Alba is a PhD Candidate at the University of Calgary’s Educational Research in Curriculum and Learning. As an Art Educator, her areas of research and interest lie in integrating Indigenous knowledges in art curriculums to better serve...

PGCE Secondary English Course Leader at Staffordshire University
Rebecca Sherratt is the PGCE Secondary English course leader at Staffordshire University and a first year Doctorate of Education researcher at the same higher education institution. Her research interests lie in creativity in the secondary...

PhD Student at Cardiff University
Rhianna Murphy is a PhD student at Cardiff University and a visiting lecturer in education at the University of Chester. She is also former primary school teacher, with experience teaching in Spain and England. Her research interests focus on...

Assistant Professor at University of Nottingham
Ruth Graham is an assistant professor on the teaching and curriculum pathway at the University of Nottingham, UK. She works with international educators on the PGCE International. Previously, she taught in Salford, Frankfurt and Nottingham in...

Media Lecturer at Solihull College
Sarah Downing is a Media Lecturer and Teaching and Learning Coach for Action Research at Solihull College. Her research for a PhD in Education with the University of Sunderland combines her love of film with a drive to continue developing the...
Senior lecturer in secondary education ( science) at University of East London
Sheeba is a Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education (Science) at the University of East London. She is a chemistry specialist with 16 years of teaching experience in India and England. She now works in the Higher Education sector, teaching the...
PhD researcher at University of Hull
Firstly, I am the father of four, fabulous daughters and then in no particular order I am a school leader, social entrepreneur, coach, facilitator, wellbeing advocate and just bloody curious. After leaving school leadership in 2014, I have been a...
PhD Researcher at University of Glasgow
Sundas is a fourth year doctoral student at the University of Glasgow. Her research explores the use of indigenous and traditional environmental literacies for sustainability and regeneration in the contemporary context. She uses decolonial...
Ravensbourne University
Tola Awe is a doctoral student in Education researching autidacticism in adults. She is passionate about seeing changes in teaching and learning in higher education.
Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University
Tracy is a Lecturer in Special Educational Needs, Inclusive Pedagogies and Digital Pedagogies at Leeds Beckett University. After initially training as a History Teacher, she spent twenty years working in two highly successful Inner London...
Head of Department Secondary & FES at University of Worcester
Following some time teaching in primary schools, I began my HE career in ITE in 2007. I have worked across primary, secondary and Further education in ITE including partnership and Head of Department roles. I am an experienced external examiner...
ECR Convenors

Lecturer in Education Studies at University College London
Yan is the ECR Regional Rep for the South East. Yan is a Lecturer in Education Studies at University College London. Yan was a Teaching Fellow in Childhood Studies and Programme Leader for MA Childhood Studies at the University of Leeds after she...
Lecturer in Education at Ulster University
Nicola is the regional rep for Northern Ireland. Nicola is a lecturer in Education and course director of the PGCE English with Drama and Media Studies programme at Ulster University. Her research interests include writing pedagogy and how...
Director of Research & Director of Impact and Innovation at University of St Andrews
Sin-Wang (Ph.D., SFHEA, FRSA) is Director of Research and Director of Impact and Innovation at the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute, University of St Andrews. Concurrently, he is Visiting Professor at King's College London...

Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast
Leanne Henderson is a lecturer in education studies in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research centres on young people’s educational trajectories and transitions. She was...
Lecturer in Education at University of Cumbria
Rebekah Ackroyd is the Early Career Researcher Network Regional Rep for the North of England. Rebekah is a lecturer in education at the University of Cumbria working on postgraduate provision. Her PhD research examined how teachers of Religious...
Event bursaries 2024
The BERA Early Career Researcher Network offers a limited amount of bursaries to the value of £100 towards travel for BERA Members.
Bursaries are offered on a first come, first served basis.
BERA Conference 2024 and WERA Focal Meeting
The BERA Conference 2024 and WERA Focal Meeting was held at the University of Manchester, 8-12 September 2024. Attended by almost 2,000 delegates, this was our largest BERA Conference.
Submission policy
The blog is open to anyone to make a submission. The aim is to stimulate debate and thus differences of opinion will be aired. However, all submissions must have some link to evidence rather than...
BERA Equality in Education Award
The BERA Equality in Education Award recognizes an individual whose work has sought to address wider issues of inequality and discrimination in education. The nominee’s work will not only...
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