Helen is a multi-award-winning Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at Teesside University teaching in the area of forensic sciences. Helen is a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic, SFHEA and RLA. Prior to teaching, Helen spent several years as a court reporting forensic scientist specialising in fibres, glass and footwear mark evidence.

Helen currently teaches on the Forensic Science and Crime Scene Science programmes, leading modules at Level 4,5 and 7 as well as inputting on modules at Level 6. She is also Exterenal Examiner and acts as an assessor for educational accrediation standards for the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Helen is also mentor, assessor and Chair of the UKAT (United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring Association) professional recognition scheme which awards excellence in personal tutoring being awarded Outstanding Contribution to UKAT in 2022. In addition, Helen also mentors, assess and co-leads Teesside Universities Recognising Excellent in Learning and Teaching scheme which awards Advance HE AF, F and SFHEA status.

Summary of Research Interests

Helen researches inclusive practices in Learning and Teaching exploring ways in which we can allow students to reflect and/or express emotion through memes, reflect through Sketchnoting or embrace digital narratives. As a result of her work around digital narratives, she was awarded the Pearson’s HE “Most innovative approach to engaging students using education technology “award in 2022 as well as publications in the Learning and Teaching area.

Alongside her Learning and Teaching research, Helen also examines how fibres can be beneficial within forensic investigations, publishing in the transfer and retention of fibres as well as colour fading.

External Roles and Professional Activities

Helen is a current council member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSoFS) and co-Chair for the Learning and Teaching stream of the annual CSoFS conference. In addition, Helen assess educational standards within the forenesic sciences to achieve CSoFS accrediation.

Helen also works extensively with the United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT), chairing their professional recognition scheme for excellence in personal tutoring.

External Research Collaborations

Helen has worked extensively leading academic from UK and international Universities in the use of memes within the HE Learning and Teaching environment leading to invited presentations, publications and conference presentations.

In addition, Helen has collaborated with researcher both within the UK and beyond regarding her work around fibre transfer and persistence.