Nina Morris

My research interests fall into three categories: (i) human-nature relationships, (ii) sensory perception, and, (iii) pedagogy and continuing professional development.

(i) Human-nature relationships

I was recently Co-Investigator in an interdisciplinary team (led by Dr Catherine Baker, School of Art, Birmingham City University) working in collaboration with the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh on a British Scoliosis Research Fund funded pilot project using qualitative (focus groups) and artistic methods (Photovoice and physical image manipulation) to creatively investigate the impact of diagnosis on the social welfare of young women with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The research aimed to contribute to a better understanding of alternative treatments towards improving quality of life in young females with AIS, advancing the BSF Scoliosis Research Priorities 2 and 10. Outputs to date include an end of project Research Report, a magazine article, an exhibition (at Edinburgh Printmakers, September 2022), and a Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas performance (August 2023). We have a book chapter in preparation and a journal paper under review.

During the COVID-19 pandemic I led (in collaboration with Dr Kate Orton-Johnson, Sociology, UoE) a research project on the phenomenon of ‘camping at home’ and the ways in which it has enabled people to be resilient during this stressful period. This research provides an important contribution towards understanding how individuals respond to pandemic-like situations and how certain behaviours might help maintain or restore health and well-being during future such events. More broadly, it contributes to the continued exploration of camping and its attendant benefits, as well as motivations for participation in this activity during times of relative normalcy, and contributes to research highlighting the health and well-being benefits of nearby nature particularly within urban areas. One journal paper has been published (Annals of Leisure Research), another is under review (Leisure Studies), and a further two are planned (Children’s Geographies, The Senses and Society). A paper presented at the RGS-IBG 2022 Annual Conference (Session: ‘Play, ‘recovery’ and urban space’) was very well received.

I have a long-standing interest in children’s relationships with nature and I have performed a series of Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas (CODI) performances on this topic.

I recently also Co-Led an interdisciplinary team (led primarily by Jenny Glen, University of Dundee) working with academic colleagues and partner organisations in Scotland, Brazil, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Mexico funded by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute Programmes of Knowledge Exchange scheme. The programme of workshops we organised, entitled ‘Community Gardens Beyond Communities’, focused on the ways in which community gardens can mobilise local communities, create synergies, and provide models for community action to address environmental issues that affect local lives but connect to global issues. The accompanying website is an open resource with a final report, 5-minute films by each of the partners, 25-minute partner presentation recordings, and creative summaries of the ensuing discussions.

(ii) Sensory perception

I maintain a strong interest in sensory perception; the final paper in the camping at home series will focus on the sensory dimensions of fire.

(iii) Pedagogy and continuing professional development

The UoE Principal’s Teaching Award Scheme (PTAS) funded research I led (with Co-Investigator Hazel Christie, Institute for Academic Development, UoE) on assessed blogs in the undergraduate curriculum received internal and external recognition. Assessed blogs are applicable across a range of disciplines and the COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the need for online assessment options. The research was recognised by the Higher Education Academy for it high pedagogic value and included in their 2017 Transforming Assessment in Higher Education case study series. I have presented the research (and on my personal pedagogy) at national and international symposia and conferences and have published pedagogy-related papers in high profile, international, interdisciplinary and geography-related pedagogy journals. I led the development of a set of adaptable Grade Related Marking Criteria (GRMC) for assessed blogs as a result of this research which is now available as an OpenEd resource.

Cultural and Historical Geography Research Group, University of Edinburgh

Historical Geography Research Group, Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers

Social and Cultural Geography Research Group, Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers

Personal website: http://www.ninamorris.co.uk

Twitter: @_NinaJM

BlueSky: @ninajm.bsky.social

Also on LinkedIn

I completed the Edinburgh Teaching Award (EdTA) (Level 3) (benchmarked against the UK Professional Standards Framework) in 2016 and was awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy an appointment which provides national recognition of my commitment to professionalism and excellence in teaching and learning in Higher Education. In 2016 I was invited to join the University of Edinburgh Experienced Teacher Network the remit of which is to contribute to strategic thinking on learning and teaching at the University (e.g. providing feedback on the Exemplars of Excellence in Student Education, contributing to the Principles for Teaching and Academic Careers) becoming a Co-Convenor of the network in 2018. I have been an EdTA Mentor for Level 2 and 3 applicants since 2016 and a member of the EdTA Assessment Panel since 2019.

I am committed to delivering research-led, student-centred, innovative teaching and assessment. My Honours option Space, Place and Sensory Perception (SPSP) (18-33 students) takes an ‘experiential learning’ approach and, as such, the content, style of delivery, and assessment cater to a variety of individual student needs. The course encourages students to develop a critical understanding of sensory perception and the methodological implications of geographers’ theorization of the senses. In order to connect the curriculum content to the curriculum delivery, the course is as sensorially engaging as possible in its pedagogy. The teaching and learning methods (have) include(d) presentations from visiting scholars and artists, ‘immersive’ tutorials, practical experiments, film-screenings, mini-field excursions within Edinburgh, visits to relevant UoE facilities (e.g. School of Physics anechoic chamber, Talbot Rice Gallery) and non-UoE venues (e.g. Barney’s Brewery, Pickering’s Gin, Blair St. vaults), and collaboration with colleagues within the School of Geosciences (e.g. SCIFUN/FUSION team). Assessed partially by blog, the course also encourages the students to appreciate different styles of writing and think more carefully about their audience.

My University of Edinburgh Principal’s Teaching Award Scheme (PTAS) funded research on assessed blogs was recognised by the Higher Education Academy for it high pedagogic value and included in their 2017 Transforming Assessment in Higher Education case study series. I have presented on my pedagogy at national and international symposia and conferences and have published pedagogy-related papers in high profile, international, interdisciplinary and geography-related pedagogy journals.

I received nominations for Edinburgh University Students Association awards for 'Best Course' (2021), ‘Best Dissertation Supervisor’ (2015) and ‘Best Personal Tutor’ (2014).

09:00-10:30 on Wednesdays. Usual working hours 8.30-4.30 Monday-Thursday.

I am a member of the Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers Editorial Board (2024-).

I am External Examiner for the MRes Critical Human Geographies, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter (2021-22 onwards).

I am the School of GeoSciences Academic Misconduct Officer, MA Admissions Adviser, and Geography International Exchange Coordinator.

I am a Mentor for the Edinburgh Teaching Award Levels 2 and 3 and Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas.

I was Programme Director for the MSc Environment, Culture and Society programme, 2017-2020.

I was Chair of the School of GeoSciences Research Ethics Committee, 2009-2016.

2016 Edinburgh Teaching Award Level 3

2003–2004 University of Edinburgh Professional Certificate in University Teaching Stages 1 and 2

1998–2001 Department of Geography, University of Hull, PhD: Feeling nature: naturism, camping, environment and the body in Britain, 1920-1960 supervised by Dr David Atkinson, Dr Suzanne Reimer and Professor David Sibley (submitted January 2003, awarded April 2003 - examined by Professor David Matless, University of Nottingham) 

1996–1997 Department of Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, MA Cultural Geography (Research): Exclusion and the rural geographies of disability supervised by Professor Rob Imrie. 

1993–1996 Department of Geography, University of Wales, Lampeter, BA (Honours) Geography, Upper Second Class