Dr Karen Kenny

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College: College of Social Sciences and International Studies

I currently work in the Academic Development and Skills department in the university. My main focus is supporting Academic Personal Tutoring across the university.

In addition I have an interest in the development of online modules. I am currently investigating the support required in order to develop a successful online module.

I have a particular interest in the education of underrepresented individuals. 

My PhD research was a study of the educational experience of children in care.  This project was a qualitative study, working with adults and children who have experienced ‘care’, using unstructured biological narrative interviews. The study found that children in care have a broad view of education, which extends well beyond the classroom. They exhibited refelxivity, agency and habitus in their educational narratives.  

I have also  been employed on other research projects which have enabled me to expand my skills in data collection, analysis and communication. My teaching practice has encompassed primary schools, NVQ, BTEC, A level, Foundation and HE level 1 and 2. 

Previously I qualified as both a banker (ACIBS) and accountant (ACCA), but have now changed career direction to study education, with a particular focus on marginalised groups. I have a proven track record of managing projects, people and tasks, in the finance arena as well as in education.

In addition to these more formal roles, I am actively involved in the voluntary sector, and have been instrumental in funding bids to local government.