Michele Paule

Dr. Michele Paule is a Reader in Communication, Media, and Culture at Oxford Brookes University, affiliated with the School of Education, Humanities and Languages. Her research focuses on gender, youth media engagement, and discourses of girlhood, particularly exploring how media and educational institutions shape young people's identities and aspirations. She combines traditional and digital methodologies, notably through projects like smartgirls.tv, which examines 'successful girl' narratives.

Before her academic career, Paule worked in secondary education, including roles as Head of English and Media and an Advanced Skills Teacher. She has led national teacher development programs and held teaching fellowships at Oxford Brookes. Her work emphasizes the teaching-research nexus and widening participation in higher education.

Research Interests:

• Gendered power dynamics and leadership discourses
• Youth engagement with digital media and institutional narratives
• Participant Action Research methodologies
• Cultural representations of girlhood in media and education

Recent Projects:

• Girls' Imaginings of Leadership (2025-2026, ESRC-funded)
• Global study on gendered barriers to youth leadership (WAGGGS Europe collaboration)
• Analysis of transnational celebrity influences on girlhood identity

Awards and Fellowships:

• ASKE Teaching Fellowship
• CETL Teaching Fellowship
• Four-time nominee for Oxford Brookes Student Union Teaching Awards

Consultancy & Engagement:

• Advises NGOs, governments, and schools on gender equality and media literacy
• Contributed to House of Commons debates on women's representation in politics
• Developed teacher resources on gender equality for the Department for Education

Labs/Teams:

• Co-chair of MeCCSA Women's Media Studies Network
• Member of the Gender and Education Association (GEA)
• Participates in the Oxford Brookes Centre for Diversity Policy Research and Practice