My background is in literature and this has led me to explore how, in the field of  lifelong learning  concepts like narrative voice could be useful for encouraging greater student engagement, espcially among mature students and non-traditional learners. I have conducted a number of action research projects in the community using creative approaches (film, drama, multi-media forms) to create 'education' around difficult issues like mental health/illness.

I have produced research on literature but also on voicing, on student engagement and active learning, including co-construction of curriculum and co-research.

I am also focusing on interdisciplinary work bringing together medicine, health and literature to create new insights, for example, through exploring the representation of dementia in literature.