Fiona Saunders

Professor Fiona Saunders is the Professor of Project Management Education and Director of the Centre for Learning Enhancement and Educational Development (LEED) at Manchester Metropolitan University. She leads initiatives integrating pedagogic scholarship, innovation, and digital education into curriculum enhancement. Previously (2017–2022), she held roles as Faculty Director of Education and Reader in Engineering Project Management within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her career spans academia and industry, including roles as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester and Project Manager in manufacturing and consulting sectors.

Education:

• PhD in the Management of Projects, University of Manchester (2016)
• MBA (Distinction), Lancaster University Management School (1999)
• BSc (Hons) Applied Physics and Electronics, University of Durham (1991)

Research Interests: Focuses on project management education, technology-enhanced learning, safety-critical project management, curriculum decolonization, and inclusive pedagogy. Recent work explores the impact of multimedia resources, community narratives in decolonizing curricula, and barriers in technology transition projects.

Key Contributions:

• Authored Project Finance Casebook (Pearson Education, 2012)
• Published extensively in journals like International Journal of Project Management and Higher Education Research and Development
• Recipient of Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE and Chartered Engineer status

Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD student Estar Bennett. Leads interdisciplinary initiatives such as the 'Many Faces of Science and Engineering' project. Collaborates on grants related to equity, diversity, and pedagogical innovation.

Labs & Teams: Directs LEED, a hub for educational development combining the University Teaching Academy and Digital Education Team. Active in global academic networks like the International Society for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.