Kay Sambell

Kay Sambell is a Professor at Edinburgh Napier University specializing in higher education research, with expertise in assessment practices, student engagement, and pedagogical innovation. Her work focuses on improving teaching and learning experiences through evidence-based approaches and practical applications in university settings.

Her educational qualifications include:

• BA (Hons)
• MA
• PhD

Professor Sambell's research centers on transformative assessment for learning frameworks, real-time feedback systems in large classrooms, and student mentorship models to enhance the first-year experience. She investigates how professional identity development, peer learning, and student-authored resources can reshape academic practice. Her work emphasizes student agency and the alignment of assessment with learning outcomes, addressing challenges in diverse educational contexts through both theoretical and practical lenses.

Her publication portfolio reveals consistent focus on assessment innovation, with recurring themes of student engagement, feedback literacy, and professional development in academic practice. Recent works explore the integration of technology in assessment, the role of student mentors in transition programs, and critical perspectives on professionalism in higher education.

Key recognitions include:

• National Teaching Fellowship (NTF)
• Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA)

Professor Sambell has led collaborative initiatives including the Epistemic Apprenticeship Project, which developed student mentorship frameworks for first-year support. While specific grant details aren't documented here, her research output demonstrates sustained engagement with educational development projects and partnerships across the higher education sector.

She contributes to the Centre for Higher Education Research at Edinburgh Napier University, advancing institutional knowledge in teaching excellence and curriculum innovation through scholarly activity and professional development initiatives.