I am an Associate Professor at the Open University UK, with expertise in the evidence-based design and evaluation of technologies for learning (online platforms, mobile applications, digital games) using mixed-methods research approaches (learning analytics, RCTs, interviews, surveys). I hold funding from the National Science Foundation, Wellcome, and ESRC to improve the design of online citizen science platforms and make science learning more accessible and productive to young people (LEARN Cit Sci). I am also the academic lead of nQuire (nquire.org.uk) - a citizen science platform developed in partnership with the BBC, which supports the engagement of the public with scientific practices, and the PI of the UKRI funded project EduCS: EDUcating Citizens and organisations in Citizen Science methodologies, that aims to develop citizen science capacity in organisations not normally involved in citizen science. I am a co-I on a Nuffield funded project aiming to understand the value of maths apps to learning (Nov20-Jan22). I hold funding from eSTEeM, OU (co-I) to improve the accuracy of predictive analytics of at risk students, as measured by OU Analyse.
I am a fellow of the British Academy as I received a mid-career fellowship that produced evidence-based guidelines for the design of mobile applications for young children (m_Evaluate). Outcomes from mEvaluate resulted in my authoring and designing of an Open Learn course that aims to raise awareness about how parents and teachers should use digital technologies with children. I coordinate the evaluation of the Early Alert Indicators project, a university-wide initiative for assessing predictive learning analytics interventions and their impact on students' performance and attainment. I am also leading the evaluation of a new assessment tool that will enable more effective marking practices by teachers across the university.