Michelle Pyer

Dr. Michelle Pyer is an Associate Professor in Child & Family Wellbeing at the University of Northampton, affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Society and the Centre for Health Sciences and Services. She holds roles as Senior Researcher and Postgraduate Research Lead, overseeing research ethics and supervising PhD/doctoral students in childhood studies and disability. Her work focuses on participatory research, children’s geographies, and service evaluations, particularly in healthcare and education contexts.

Education:

• PhD (University of Northampton, 2009): Impact of spaces on leisure and wellbeing of teenage wheelchair users
• BA Hons Human Geography (University of Northampton)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (2016)

Research Interests:

• Children and Young People’s Participation
• Digital Literacy Education
• Disability and Access Equity
• Research Ethics and Public Involvement

Key Projects:

• CyGen: Erasmus+ funded project developing digital literacy tools for schools.
• Dementia-Friendly Consent: Innovating ethical research practices with people living with dementia.
• Northamptonshire Cancer Prevention: Addressing health inequalities through co-produced strategies.

Advising & Grants:

• Supervises 6 current and 5 completed PhD/doctoral students.
• Leads the University’s Researcher Development Programme.

Michelle actively contributes to NHS and university ethics committees, blending academic research with practical community engagement. Her work aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 4 (Education).