Tracy Ann Hayes

Dr. Tracy Ann Hayes serves as Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) and Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Plymouth Marjon University. She leads Youth & Community Programmes and coordinates Postgraduate Research, specializing in transdisciplinary research at the intersection of youth work, environmental studies, and outdoor learning. Her work emphasizes creating inclusive, nature-connected learning experiences to empower young people and communities.

Education qualifications include a PhD in Transdisciplinary Research in Outdoor Studies (Lancaster University) alongside certifications in academic practice, sustainability education, and leadership. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Research focuses on youth-nature relationships, therapeutic horticulture, intergenerational climate action, and creative methodologies like autoethnography. Notable projects include NIHR-funded studies on therapeutic agriculture and ACE-funded arts collaborations with marginalized communities.

Awards include the 2018 Anna Craft Creativities Prize for innovative research methodologies. She actively chairs BERA committees, leads the Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play SIG, and contributes to international conferences. Her teaching spans research methods, practitioner research, and participatory group work.