معرفی
Professor Liz Austen holds the position of Interim Associate Dean for Teaching & Learning at Sheffield Hallam University, concurrently serving as Head of Evaluation and Research. Her work focuses on evidence-based enhancement in higher education, emphasizing ethical practices and student voice engagement. She leads the Student Engagement, Evaluation and Research (STEER) team within the Student Experience, Teaching and Learning directorate, driving institutional strategies outlined in their Access and Participation Plan.
Education: Holds BA, MA, and PhD qualifications, with the title PFHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy). Her academic background includes criminological research and teaching research methodologies.
Research Interests: Specializes in teaching quality, student outcomes, digital storytelling for educational enhancement, and critical approaches to higher education policy. Her work challenges conventional widening participation strategies and advocates for systemic reforms. Recent projects include evaluations funded by AdvanceHE and the Office for Students, focusing on learning gains and Critical Whiteness in academia.
Media & Outreach: Regularly presents at sector-wide events through keynotes, workshops, and masterclasses. Previously served as External Examiner for BA Criminal Justice programs (2014–2018). Currently supervises a PhD candidate in education and contributes to viva examinations as an independent chair.
Grants & Projects: Led externally funded initiatives on student retention (Unite Foundation), teaching excellence (Office for Students), and policy reforms. Managed the LEGACY learning gain pilot and collaborates with QAA Scotland on enhancement themes.
