Jane Essex

I am a senior lecturer in chemistry education, with teaching and supervision responsibilities on the PGDE chemistry. I also contribute to the teaching on BA routes and MA programme, as well as supervising research students from BA through to PhD routes. I moved to Strathclyde University from Brunel University London. Prior to that I had been an Initial Teacher Education tutor at Keele University (Staffordshire).

I taught science in schools in various parts of England before moving to Higher Education and retain a keen interest in all aspects of school science.

My major professional and research interests, are inclusive science education, and the preparation of teachers to deliver an inclusive STEM curriculum, along with curriculum design and assessment. My primary focus in on science for learners with intellectual disabilities but my interest extends far more widely into the mechanisms by which some groups are excluded from science.

In addition, I am active in science outreach, for which I have achieved international recognition, and regularly run inclusive and accessible chemistry events at the University of Strathclyde, in conjunction with colleagues from chemistry and chemical engineering. I have worked with a range of visitor centres to develop their STEM outreach programmes, and have regularly collaborated with colleagues at sites of historic and cultural significance.

My research interests cluster around science education, specifically the impact of science outreach and inclusive science teaching. Related research areas include the preparation of teachers for inclusive practice.

2001- 2005  Open University  Doctorate in Education, Can mentoring raise attainment in Science?

1997-2000   Open University  Master of Arts (Education)

1985-1986   Univ. of Newcastle-upon-Tyne  Post Graduate Certificate in Education

1982-1985   Univ. of London  Bachelor of Science (Hons), Toxicology and Pharmacology