relational design; craft theory, and craft as epistemology; design methodologies; humanistic psychotherapy in design; Carl Rogers' Person-Centre Approach as a framework for design for health and wellbeing, and for participatory design methodologies; future technology innovation through ('traditional') material practices; digital jewellery; e-textile development; wearable technology studies and innovation informed by social sciences and fashion theory

Chair of the RAFT research group, Edinburgh College of Art

convener, Design Research Society Special Interest Group: Tangible, Embedded & Networked Technology (‘tentSIG’)

Arcintex international research network steering group member (2011-date)

elected council member, Design Research Society (2013-2017)

Course Organiser: Design Identities: Roles and Ecologies (SCQF10, 20 cr) DESI10147

2020/21 teaching on:

Objects of Desire (PGT)

Digital Crafting (PGT) DESI11163

Design and Society DESI08140

Film Medicine (PGT) DESI11116

Personal Statement

I am Chair of Material and Design Innovation at Edinburgh College of Art, at the University of Edinburgh. From September to December 2018 I was head of the Jewellery and Silversmithing subject area at ECA, before accepting the 3-year citizenship role of Head of the School of Design in January 2018. Most recently I have also been seconded as a Fellow of the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Previously, I was Reader in Relational Design at Nottingham Trent University, investigating craft-led and person-centred methodologies for ethical participatory design with near future technologies.

Fellow of the Edinburgh Futures Institute

From 2019-2022 I am seconded as Fellow to the new Futures Institute being built in the historic Infirmary building in the centre of the city. My remit is to develop a new PGT programme in material and design innovation for a professional cohort, using diverse delivery modes and meshing the programme with others to enable radically interdisciplinary student-led pathways. I also contribute to the Studio group, advising on fit-out of the learning spaces for interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation.

Head of the School of Design; ECA, January 2018 - September 2020

I led a complex Design school with ~80 fte staff and 500 students across 22 programmes at UG and PG levels. I was supported by a management group within the school, and contributed to leadership as part of a team across Edinburgh College of Art.

Reader in Relational Design; Nottingham Trent University, UK, August 2015 – September 2017

Senior Lecturer, Product Design; Nottingham Trent University, UK, Oct 2009 – August 2015

Research Fellow, Technical Textiles & Wearable Concept Development; Nottingham Trent University, April – July 2009

Visiting Tutor, Interdisciplinary Crafts/MA Design; Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, Jan – April 2009

Research Fellow, Technical Textiles & Wearable Concept Development; Nottingham Trent University, April – November 2008

Postgraduate Certificate of Higher Education (PGCHE); UK Higher Education Academy, 2012

PhD Crafting the Wearable Computer: Design Process and User Experience; Edinburgh Napier University, 2007             

MSc Multimedia & Interactive Systems Design; Edinburgh Napier University, 2002                                                                                                                                                   

BA (Hons) Design (Silversmithing and Jewellery); Glasgow School of Art, 1993