Alison Hennessy

Dr Alison Hennessy is a Lecturer in Science Education at the University of Stirling, combining her background in crystallography and dermatology with educational research. She collaborates with Forth Valley College on a joint science and professional education degree program. Her research focuses on improving educational outcomes for care-experienced children, STEM education equity, and widening access to higher education. She also explores action ethnography, sociolinguistics, and social justice in education.

Research Interests:

• Looked-after children's educational trajectories
• STEM and social justice
• Recognition of prior learning
• Policy impacts on vulnerable youth
• Action ethnography methodologies
• Language in curriculum design

Her recent publications (2021–2025) highlight shifts in educational policy and teacher expectations influencing student outcomes. Earlier work (2005–2007) contributed to dermatological research on UV effects and antifungal treatments. She is affiliated with the Child Well-being and Protection and Language and Society Curriculum research groups at the University of Stirling.