Kelly Edmunds

Dr. Kelly Edmunds is an Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia (UEA), serving as Deputy Director of Learning & Teaching and Deputy Lead of the Teaching Theme in the School of Biological Sciences. She has held roles such as Director of Admissions and Programme Director for the Science Foundation Year courses. Her research focuses on student belonging in Higher Education, innovative teaching practices, and the transition to university. Prior to her teaching-focused career, she conducted interdisciplinary research in conservation biology, disease ecology, and zoonoses, including work on avian influenza, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2.

Education: She earned a PhD in Avian Influenza (2011) and an MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation (2005), both from UEA. Her teaching responsibilities include modules like BIO-3001Y, BIO-4001A, and BIO-5026A, alongside supervising final-year projects.

Research interests span pedagogical strategies, student well-being, and foundational year programs. She advocates for best practices through publications in outlets like Times Higher Education and leads a Community of Practice on Student Belonging. Her administrative roles include membership in the Start of Year Governance Committee, Equality & Diversity Committee, and Foundation Year Network Executive Committee.

Awards include the Sir Geoffrey and Lady Allen Prize for Excellence in Teaching (2022), RSB Teacher of the Year finalist (2023), and the UEA Engagement Award (2022). Her external roles include Senior Fellow at Advance HE and External Examiner at Bournemouth University.

Her work aligns with UN SDGs in Education and contributes to enhancing equitable access and quality learning experiences, particularly for widening participation students.