After many years as a sociology lecturer and with a keen interest in issues of widening participation and pedagogic practice, Julie moved into staff and educational development. Julie taught HE in FE, at London Guildhall University and worked at Kingston University before joining Roehampton University in 2005. Julie’s research has explored issues in pedagogic professional development for academic staff in universities and how best to engage students in changing pedagogic practice.

Julie has presented nationally and internally on topics such as the enhancing the attainment of Black and minority ethnic students at university and using the NSS to enhance the quality of HE student learning. Julie’s current research forms part of a National Teaching Fellowship project at Roehampton University to explore issues of gender and identity in relation to pedagogic practice in HE. At Roehampton University Julie manages the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Unit which works with students and academic staff to increase understanding of learning and teaching and effect change.

The Staff and Educational Development Association is a long standing professional organisation for those involved in enhancing learning and teaching in HE. Having been a member for 10 years, Julie became the chair in 2010. One of SEDA’s recent roles has been to campaign for recognition of the importance of good teaching in HE in the new universities’ White Paper.