Eleanor Neff

Eleanor Neff is a Lecturer in the Department of Education at Shannon Consortium University of Applied Sciences (SETU). She holds a PhD in Old English and Celtic Studies from University College Cork (2007), specializing in comparative narrative analysis of Beowulf and Celtic texts. With 23 years in adult education, her expertise spans ESOL, literacy programs, and family literacy initiatives. She currently leads the Literacy Development Centre (LDC) and serves as Chairperson of the Education & Training Subcommittee at the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA).

**Education**: PhD in Old English and Celtic Studies, University College Cork (2007).

**Research Focus**: Adult literacy development, family literacy practices, oral literacy traditions, and digital literacy integration. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), emphasizing equitable access to literacy resources and professional development for educators.

**Key Projects**: Co-developed the Initial Literacy Tutor Training course and contributed to the Refugee Resettlement Programme. Led NALA’s Marking Progress project to implement family literacy guidelines in ETBs. Her recent research explores autonomy in lifelong learning and digital spaces in adult education.

**Professional Roles**: Member of NALA’s Board of Directors since 2022, Chairperson of Education & Training Committee since 2024.

**Grants & Collaborations**: Collaborates with institutions like WIT, focusing on literacy program design and evaluation. Involved in EU-funded adult education initiatives.