Rachel Humphreys

Rachel Humphreys is a Principal Lecturer (Academic Development) at the University of Sunderland's London campus, where she leads the Academic Development Centre. Her role encompasses promoting initiatives in academic development, excellence and innovation in learning and teaching, as well as oversight of library services and personal academic tutors with a focus on creating an outstanding student experience.

She has extensive experience in learning, teaching and leadership roles across various higher education institutions including the University of Greenwich, UCL and SOAS University of London. Her educational background includes a BA Hons and MA (Cantab) in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Cambridge, a master's degree in Education and International Development from the UCL Institute of Education, and a Diploma in the teaching of English (DELTA).

Her research interests focus on the practical application of educational and pedagogical research to improve teaching, learning, student experience and outcomes. She has a particular interest in relational pedagogy, decolonising the curriculum, and inclusive approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. Having begun her career as an English language teacher in Southeast Asia before moving into English for Academic Purposes, she has a longstanding interest in the experience of international students. She was commissioned to write a module on effective communication for the "International Student Success" online course and contributed to the QAA Guidance on Supporting and enhancing the experience of international students in the UK.

• Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) - 2019

As an external examiner at the University of Leeds and through her work with UKCISA, Ms. Humphreys contributes to the wider academic community beyond her home institution. She is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education, having worked at Advance HE as part of the Equality Charters team for a year. She continues to serve as an Advance HE associate, advising Athena Swan Charter assessment panels, and sits on the recruitment committee of the UK Commission for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). She is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider.