ACADEMIC PRACTITIONER & RESEARCHER

The University of Manchester

I am currently a lecturer in textile & fashion technology, based in Fashion Business Technology, part of the Department of Materials at The University of Manchester.

I studied as an undergraduate at the University of Leeds gaining a BSc(Hons) in Textile Chemistry. After a period of time in industry (over 15 years!) I went to MMU and gained my MSc in Clothing Product Development.

My academic role has enabled me to be involved in many of the programmes in the department, undergraduate, Masters and PhD, supporting students in their learning of basic textile technology all the way through to cutting edge developments and live industry briefs.

My role at The University of Manchester uses my academic experience and is focussed on teaching and research, driving forward technological principles and applications in textile & fashion technology alongside innovations in teaching practice. My research focusses on 'next-gen' materials in textiles and how we drive forward a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future for the industry.

I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and use my industrial experience to enhance my academic practice. I am experienced in many areas of teaching, learning and assessment, developing inclusivity and widening participation through my own continuous professional development. I am particularly interested in the virtual learning environment and how this can be used to enhance the learning experience whilst driving both academic quality standards and textile technology research forward.

Working with knowledge exchange colleagues I have delivered bespoke training programmes for international industry partners, overseen consultancy projects, and am actively involved as academic advisor in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

I am also a STEM ambassador, and run outreach workshops alongside bespoke careers talks to inspire students to be involved in the science of fashion and textiles.

RESEARCH FOCUS

My research interests cross microbiology and the natural world with textile technology, looking at materials of the future.

I am experienced as both principal and co-investigator in writing (and winning!) both internal and external bids. I am actively involved in funded international research projects in sustainable textile technologies, industrial partnerships (KTP) and teaching practice (STEM). I also co-lead a multi-disciplinary research group exploring the place of bio based textile practice in the modern fashion industry.

I was part of the wearable electronics research group at Manchester Metropolitan University, investigating how fabrics and garments of the future will support the demands of society and am still closely involved with research in this field.

I also work with the e-textiles network, a Horizon 2020 funded project, working to develop our smart textiles of the future. I have presented webinars and at conferences as part of the projects work.

I work as a reviewer for UKRI and Horizon Europe, evaluating multi million euro bids on projects ranging from HE research to smart and bio textiles.

I am also a reviewer for numerous international research journals such as The Journal of the Textile Institute, Textile Research Journal, Biofilm and Cambridge Plastics.

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL

I have almost 20 years experience working in the textiles industry, spanning a diverse range of applications and fabrics, from branded childrens clothing, parachutes, car airbags, denims, tailoring and plenty more in between.

I've worked in many international locations including China and a 3 year stint in Morocco, supplying high street garment retailers and sporting brands. I've also worked with various textile mills developing technical fabrics for a variety of (non-garment) end uses.

I like to keep my feet on the ground by attending industry - based shows and conferences and am involved in various joint industry / academic projects at the cutting edge of textile research.

I am part of the Textiles 2030 initiative.

I am also an active member of The Textile Institute as both trustee and Honorary Secretary to the international governing council, and am honorary secretary and treasurer of the Manchester and Cheshire section. As a section, we like to support students on their learning journey and host a biennial student friendly conference , 'Textiles and Life'.