Celebrating our female researchers

Professor Liz Atkins is a leading scholar in the field of vocational education and training (VET). She has published widely on her concerns about how VET helps low-attaining young people move from school to work and associated ethical/methodological and social justice issues. Her recent book with Duckworth (2019) is Research Methods for Social Justice and Equity in Education (Bloomsbury).

Ang works as an artist and artistic researcher. Her research focuses on documentation as an act of ephemeral art process, and with animality and empathy (as acted and/or intuitively behaved) in human-animal companion-species relationships.

Visiting Professor to the University of Derby Online Learning, Professor Dawn Forman, is a co-owner and director of Interactive Leadership and Management Development a consultancy specialising in executive coaching, leadership and team development and academic writing. Dawn has also been working on a freelance basis with universities and health services internationally.

Carley Foster is a Professor of Services Marketing and Head of the Centre for Business Improvement at the University of Derby. Her work is widely published, has been funded by several organisations and, as an applied researcher, she works with business to create impact.

Susan Hogan is Professor of Arts and Health. Susan has wide-ranging interests in visual culture, from the history and development of the arts and health, including the use of the arts in propagating health messages and research findings, to artistic and performative research methods. Her books are used in the training of arts and health professionals internationally.

As a Professor of Law and Business, Flora Huang focuses her research on corporate and financial law, international trade law, arbitration, Chinese law as well as law and sustainable development. She is currently serving as the EU Chairperson for Arbitrations and the Trade-and-Sustainable-Development Expert Panel Proceedings at the European Commission.

Frances Maratos’ research informs applied emotion regulation, compassion and wellbeing interventions worldwide. She is widely published and has excellent grant capture. Frances is the exiting Chair of the College of HPSC Research Committee. Her Professorial appointment reflects not only her international research profile but also her longstanding commitment to the University.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell is the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby. Her academic background is in Psychology and she continues to play an active role in research.

Kate specialises in applied research, project management and income generation. She has undertaken research for numerous organisations including the British Academy, the Home Office, both in London and regionally in Nottingham, the National Police Training Units at Bramshill and Easingwold, the Prime Ministers Delivery Unit, and the European Commission.

Dr Larissa Allwork is Researcher (Impact) in the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Office (URKEO).  She is also a Historian who investigates how public institutions and societies engage with difficult, provocative or traumatic histories.

Dr Tina Bass is an Associate Professor and Head of Discipline (Business and Management). She has a Doctorate of Social Science (DSocSci) from the University of Leciester and her research interests are currently focused upon change management and higher education pedagogies. Recently she has taken an interest in the impact of social media upon business.

Geraldine is the Programme Leader for the MA Inclusion and SEND and the National Award for SEN Co-ordination: Leading effective inclusive practice in SEN (PG Certificate)

Dr Emma Hyde is an Associate Professor in Learning, Teaching and Pedagogy at the University of Derby. Emma is a qualified HCPC registered Diagnostic Radiographer. Before joining the University in 2006, Emma worked as a Diagnostic Radiographer in the NHS for approximately 10 years, specialising in CT and MRI scanning.

Dr Rhiannon Jones is a  thought leader in Social and Design innovation and Associate Professor (Civic). She leads the Civic Lab Research Group and is a member of Pedagogic Innovation Enhancement and Research (PIER) team within the Provost of Learning and Teaching. She is the CEO of S.H.E.D and chair of Cumulus: International Contemporary Working Art Group.

Sigrid's research focuses on reading and wellbeing, behaviour change and doctoral pedagogy. She teaches at all levels, supervises research students and contributes to the university's doctoral supervisor training. As Deputy Chair of the HPSC College Research Committee, she supports our research community and contributes to strategic developments enhancing sustainable research and innovation

Associate Professor Caroline Locke works as an artist and artistic researcher. Her research is attuned to natural ecologies. Finding ways to understand and respond to new geological age, she develops kinetic sculptures, large-scale immersive installations, and sound works. One focus of her research is on identifying the need for closer connection and greater understanding of nature.

Most of Kirsten's research has focused on Compassion-Focused interventions. More recently her research has focused on nature-based interventions such as Forest Bathing (slow mindful walking in nature).  Kirsten's aim is to support the spread of these interventions to improve human health and wellbeing, but also to inspire more pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours.

Melanie has worked in the UK education sector for 24 years, in secondary education, FE and HE, and with national bodies on curriculum and qualification reform. Melanie is Associate Professor of Learning and Teaching and works with colleagues across the university to support the development of excellent and innovative practice in learning and teaching, particularly in pedagogic research.

Eleni is an Associate Professor in Business Management at the University of Derby, Buxton. Eleni teaches on subjects relating to the management and marketing of Tourism, Hospitality, Events and Spa industries.