معرفی
Dr. Michael Priestley is a Lecturer in the School of Education at Durham University, where he has been affiliated since 2024. His academic journey includes completing a BA, MA, and PhD at Durham University School of Education between 2013 and 2022. Prior to his current role, he worked as a Research Associate at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience.
His research focuses on student mental health and wellbeing in neoliberal higher education contexts, integrating postmodern educational philosophy, political sociology, and health psychology. He collaborates with third-sector organizations like the Charlie Waller Trust (Youth Involvement Coordinator) and Student Minds (Assessor for the University Mental Health Charter).
Key research themes include interdisciplinary mental health theory/practice, participatory methods, and policy recommendations for whole-university wellbeing strategies. His work critiques structural pressures in academia and advocates for staff-student wellbeing interdependence.
Esteem indicators include invited plenary speaking roles at major conferences (e.g., UKRI SMaRteN 2024, Universities UK Mental Health Conference 2023), plus advisory roles like Student Minds’ Advisory Committee (2019–present). His publications span qualitative studies on student experiences, staff wellbeing impacts, and pandemic-era educational challenges.
Current collaborations emphasize coproduction of mental health initiatives and institutional policy reform. His work bridges theoretical critique with practical solutions for equitable higher education systems.
