Christine Edwards-Leis

Dr. Christine Edwards-Leis is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Social Science at St Mary’s University. She leads the Professional Doctorate in Education and Postgraduate Research Program in Education. With extensive experience in primary, secondary, further, and higher education across Australia and the UK, her career spans teaching, educational research, and academic leadership. She holds a PhD in Mental Model Theory and has co-edited Pedagogy in Higher Education: Purpose, Practice and Relationships (2024), emerging from global workshops on critical teaching practices.

Her research focuses on critical pedagogy, mental model theory, and innovative teaching strategies. Notable projects include Sharing Writing Spaces, analyzing author experiences in pedagogical collaborations, and ReflectEd: St Mary’s Journal of Education, which she has edited since 2013. Christine has supervised over 20 doctoral students, addressing topics from safeguarding in schools to STEM education strategies.

Publications span journals like Teaching and Teacher Education and Sport, Education and Society, emphasizing practical and theoretical contributions to education. Her work bridges cognitive science and classroom practice, advocating for pedagogies that empower learners and educators alike.