معرفی
Dr Katie Gathercole is a Lecturer in Childhood Studies and Inclusive Education at the University of Leeds' School of Education, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her work bridges education, childhood studies, and healthcare, with a focus on children and young people with chronic illnesses like cystic fibrosis (CF). She holds a PhD (2017) exploring CF patients' educational experiences, an MA in Special Educational Needs (2010), and an MSc in Educational Research Methods. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Before academia, she worked as a youth worker, education officer, and project manager supporting excluded students and parents in legal advocacy. Her research emphasizes patient engagement in clinical trials, treatment burden reduction, and school integration for chronically ill children. She collaborates with healthcare professionals and CF communities to shape clinical research agendas and improve educational support systems. Key projects include identifying CF research priorities and co-producing clinical trial designs with patients.
Teaching responsibilities include BA Childhood Studies, BA Education, and MA Special Educational Needs programs. Her work champions inclusive practices and ensures marginalized voices inform academic and clinical decisions. Recent research highlights include exploring gastrointestinal symptom management, digital health tools for CF self-management, and exercise alternatives to airway clearance techniques.
- Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2017)
- Grants: ESRC-funded PhD (2012–2017)
- Key Projects: Parent Partnership legal advocacy program, CF treatment burden studies, and co-production of clinical trials
She leads the BA Childhood Studies program and advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare and education. Her lab/team collaborations focus on patient-centered healthcare innovation and inclusive education policy.
