Role
Sharon is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and teaches modules on the BA Sociology, BA Criminology and MA Public Sociology. She is the Department of Social and Political Sciences' co-lead (with Andrea Lyons-Lewis) for Service Learning. This involves working with a wide range of local not-for-private profit organisations on social justice action and research projects with second year and post graduate students. She is currently working in partnership with a local charity researching work and employment in Nottingham.
Career overview
Alongside her higher education career Sharon has worked in the adult and community education sector as a practitioner and at a strategic level, regionally and nationally. She endeavours to bring those values and practices cherished in adult education to her work in higher education.
Research areas
Community-University Engagement & Service Learning
Critical pedagogy
Work and employment
External activity
Sharon works with over 25 local not for profit organisations as part of her Service Learning role. Along with student representatives from NTU, a steering group of these local partners helps to guide the strategic direction of Service Learning.
Member of the British Sociological Association (BSA)
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Trustee - Association of Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector (ARVAC)
Trustee – POW Nottingham
Sponsors and collaborators
Sharon is currently working with The Renewal Trust on a participatory action research project exploring work and employment in Area 6 of Nottingham, (St Ann’s, Mapperley and the Dales). Stage one of the project has been reported on and stage two is due to commence. This will involve developing the agreed recommendations with a further round of research engaging key stakeholders in the city.