Helen is a researcher and teacher within the field of contemporary media and adult pedagogy. Her current research interests lie with the divide that occurs between the abhorred - the subject-field of the animal - and the cherished - that of childhood. To this end she is working on a study of the bestial metaphor within children’s picture books. She has also worked with Utopian themes, with children’s television and with the interplay of technological change and time-span.

I trained originally as a Historian, before I was seduced by the visual and worked my way through Art History and also a practice in Fine Art. I eventually settled in the North-West when I took my PGCE at the University of Bolton and later my PhD here at Manchester Metropolitan. Since qualifying I have taught in further and continuing education across a range of institutions, besides my current specialism in the undergraduate sphere. Thus, perhaps as a result of this range, amongst my academic research I also include an active interest in the development of online pedagogies within the sphere of the Art School.

Membership of professional associations

Higher Education Academy - Fellow