Bridget Hanna

Dr Bridget Hanna is a Lecturer at the School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, specializing in psychology and education pedagogy with expertise in qualitative research methods, employability, and academic professional development. Her work spans undergraduate and postgraduate education, bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications across higher education, government, and public sectors through active committee participation and media engagement.

Hanna's research centers on Discursive Psychology, Phenomenological, Critical, and Social Psychoanalytic methodologies applied to academic identity, professional ethics, and work-related themes. Her investigations explore organizational contexts of ethical behavior, competency frameworks, and the development of professional identities—particularly for refugees—with strong emphasis on dialogue-based leadership and reflective practice in educational settings.

Her publication trends reveal sustained focus on higher education's evolving role, academic leadership development, and ethical frameworks. The 2019 editorial on academic identity, 2016 book review on educational philosophy, and dual 2014 articles on ethical leadership and professional dialogue collectively demonstrate how reflective practice and structured conversation shape contemporary academic environments and professional identities.

Dr Hanna holds prestigious recognitions:

• Chartered Psychologist
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
• Chartered Scientist
• Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPS)

As an active supervisor, she guided PhD candidate Errol Rivera's research on gamification and student engagement (2017-2021) while developing competency frameworks for UK government agencies. Her consultancy extends to police, NHS, and Scottish Government sectors, and she designs institutional training programs for academic leadership and fellowship achievement through the Higher Education Academy.

Affiliated with the Psychology Research Group, SAS Pedagogical Research Group, and Centre for Higher Education Research, Hanna actively shapes national discourse through committee work with the British Psychological Society's Scottish Branch, EuroPsy, and Division of Occupational Psychology Scotland, while contributing psychological expertise to BBC Radio Scotland and governmental advisory bodies.