Christina MacRae

Dr. Christina MacRae is a Research Fellow at the School of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University. Her work bridges early childhood education, arts-informed pedagogy, and the material and spatial dimensions of learning environments. She holds a PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University, supervised by Professor Liz Jones, focusing on non-representational theories of space in early years classrooms.

Education:

• PhD in Education, Manchester Metropolitan University

Research Interests: Her research explores early years pedagogy, arts integration in teaching, and the role of sensory environments and materials in child development. She investigates how embodied experiences and spatial design influence learning processes, particularly in nursery settings.

Projects & Grants:

• Lead researcher on 2-Curious: More Than Words (ESRC-funded, 2017–2021), examining art-based practices with toddlers.
• Principal Investigator for AHRC-funded The secret life of objects (2009–2010), an artist residency in early years classrooms.
• Contributed to projects like The Sensory Nursery (2016–2019) and How do families experience our museums? (2016–2017).

Teaching: Teaches on the MA in Social Research, focusing on Contemporary Issues in Education, Childhood, and Youth. Supervises topics in Early Years education, arts-informed practices, and literacy.

Collaborations: Works with institutions like Curious Minds (Arts Council), Manchester Museum, and early years centers in Bradford and Manchester.