Laura Richards

Laura Richards is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, based in the Language Centre and affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. She has been teaching and leading English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules since 2014, including specialized courses such as Language for Marketing and Language for Arts and Humanities. She currently delivers insessional support to postgraduate students in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries and serves as the Digital Lead for both the Language Centre and the Faculty.

Her educational background includes:

• MA in Linguistics and English Language Teaching
• Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA)

Laura's research centers on technology-enhanced learning, particularly how digital tools can support collaborative language development in higher education. She is currently leading a funded project exploring international postgraduate students' use of speech-to-text interpreting software in interactive academic settings such as seminars and tutorials. This research aims to enhance understanding among EAP practitioners and subject lecturers about how translation technologies are used and how they impact learning dynamics.

Her work emphasizes practical applications in digital pedagogy, inclusive education, and intercultural communication. While no publications are listed in the provided text, her current project indicates active engagement in pedagogic research focused on creative disciplines and large-cohort teaching environments.

Laura is a member of BALEAP and contributes to professional development in EAP. She played a key role in transitioning teaching to remote formats during the pandemic and continues to support staff in adopting effective digital practices.

She has led module development, provided insessional support for linguistics students, and contributed to interdisciplinary educational innovation. Her leadership in digital education spans both the Language Centre and the wider Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.