Sandra Cairncross

Dr. Sandra Cairncross is an Assistant Principal at Edinburgh Napier University, affiliated with the School of Computing. She actively contributes to research in higher education, student transitions, and pedagogy, with a focus on bridging further education (FE) and higher education (HE) in Scotland. Her work emphasizes improving student belonging, identity formation, and institutional collaboration.

Research Interests: Cairncross investigates barriers faced by transitioning students, employing qualitative methods like Photovoice to explore identity and belonging. Her collaborations include studies on pre-arrival engagement strategies (e.g., shared reading initiatives) and ethical pedagogy in technical education. Key themes include widening access, community building, and adaptive learning frameworks.

Publications: Her recent articles (2016–2019) cluster around student transition challenges, educational ethics, and innovative feedback mechanisms. Trends show consistent focus on marginalized student experiences and cross-institutional solutions.

Supervision & Grants: She has co-supervised PhD projects examining associate student experiences and educational frameworks. No explicit grants or awards are detailed in available sources.

Collaborations: Works with interdisciplinary teams across computing, education, and healthcare, notably in the Centre for Higher Education Research.