I am a Senior Lecturer in International Education at the Manchester Institute of Education and my work draws on a range of social science theories to study, for example, the formation of student experience and the (re)conceptualisation of space/place in an increasingly digital environment. I am particularly interested in the experiences of international students and how internationalisation shapes pedagogy and curricula.

My research focuses on creating innovative, evidence-based teaching practices that enhance student engagement and success, particularly for international and marginalized groups. I use photography, as a method, to decenter language, foster participation, and recognise students as knowledge creators, amplifying diverse voices. I have worked with international students in the UK, exploring their experiences and how they create a sense of beloning. Other research interests focus on Sino-British partnerships, which explored the activities and practices of those involved in transnational education (TNE) and also the policy implications for such partnerships. 

I would welcome informal contact from prospective doctoral students with research interests closely aligned to the areas outlined above (e.g., a strong focus on international education and inclusion, Internatinal students, the use of technology in teaching and learning and transnational partnerships). Please send a full CV and proposed research plan that clearly demonstrates links to these areas. Information about potential postgraduate research funding at The University of Manchester is available online.

I currently supervise the following PhD colleagues:

• Kun Liu: Exploring the Ideal Graduate
• Luisa Loverung: Assessing the Intersectionality of Internationalisation and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education.

I worked with the following PhD colleagues (completed):

• Zhuo Sun: "Exploring the role of reputation management in HE"

I am Programme Director for the MA Internatinal Education, and I am unit lead for the following modules; 

• PGT EDUC70632 Approaches to Teaching and Learning (on the MA International Education) 
• PGT EDUC77042 Teaching and Learning Online (on the MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education) 
• UG EDUC 24072 International Education Systems and Policies (on the BSc Education)