Bethany Sumner

Dr Bethany Sumner is a Senior Lecturer in Education and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton's Faculty of Education, Health & Wellbeing, leading BA (Hons) Education Studies and BA (Hons) Education, Childhood and Youth programs. She completed her PhD in Education at Birmingham City University in July 2023, focusing on first-generation students in post-92 HEIs through Berlant and Bourdieu's frameworks.

• PhD in Education (2023)
• PG Cert in Research Practice (Distinction)
• MA in Education (Distinction)
• PGCE Post Compulsory Education
• BA (Hons) Education, Childhood and Family Studies (First Class)

Her research centers on the sociology of education, social justice, and widening participation. She uses qualitative and narrative approaches to examine non-privileged first-generation student experiences in post-1992 universities.

She has published in Understanding Contemporary Issues in Higher Education and serves as SEND link governor in a primary school. Professional memberships include:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Society for Research into Higher Education
• British Education Studies Association
• British Educational Research Association