Giulia Preponis

I am a creative and highly adaptable professional researcher and digital learning specialist with a strong background in interdisciplinary research, qualitative data analysis and design innovation. I pride myself in being experienced in developing engaging learning resources, managing creative projects, and fostering inclusive community collaboration. With experience in designing creative methodologies for social impact, I am particularly interested in exploring alternative knowledge systems and cross-disciplinary approaches to research projects. I thrive in roles that combine creativity, strategic planning, and meaningful social impact.

Key Experience

Digital Learning Officer                                                            Children’s Parliament 2024 - present

Responsible for creating and managing innovative digital and physical learning resources, amplifying children’s voices, and supporting a rights-based approach to education. Key tasks and achievements include but are not limited to:

• Led the creation and enhancement of e-learning and digital resources for education and capacity-building programmes, including the Dignity in School Hub, the UNCRC e-learning platform, and the Scottish AI Alliance and The Alan Turing Institute funded AI e-learning modules.
• Designed and implemented participatory methodologies, ensuring that children’s voices were central to content development through creative elements such as film, photography, and illustrations.
• Developed and curated multimedia research outputs, including digital exhibitions, storytelling-based educational tools, and interactive case studies for Scottish Government funded projects.
• Oversaw quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of accessibility, accuracy, and engagement in the digital and in-person educational materials.
• Coordinated multimedia production, planning, organising, and facilitating recording/filming sessions to support innovative learning experiences.
• Led professional learning opportunities to support educators in adopting rights-based approaches in their practice.
• Conducted focus groups and impact analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of learning resources, ensuring continuous improvement across digital platforms.
• Delivered in-person learning sessions alongside Project Officers, engaging children aged 4 to 13 in creative and participatory approaches to rights-based education.
• Contributed and led interdisciplinary projects, including the Ecological Citizens: Rethinking Play partnership with Glasgow School of Art, exploring the intersection of environmental education, play, and children’s rights.

Knowledge and Learning Officer             The National Lottery Community Fund 2023 – 2024

A research, evaluation, and collaboration-based role focused on generating and sharing learning from the Fund’s work and other organisations to inform best practices and policy development. Key tasks and achievements include:

• Designed and facilitated research initiatives aimed at evaluating the impact of community-led projects, applying diverse and proportionate methodologies, including qualitative interviews, case studies, and comparative analysis.
• Led the development of more inclusive community engagement programmes, ensuring accessibility for ethnically diverse and New Scots communities and groups.
• Developed participatory and co-designed approaches to knowledge exchange, collaborating with community organisations to strengthen representation and voice in funding structures.
• Produced and presented clear, accessible, and engaging reports for a variety of audiences, including policymakers, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Analysed complex data sets to drive evidence-based decision-making and inform strategic improvements to community investment approaches.
• Produced research and evaluation reports for projects exceeding £1.5 million, utilising proportionate methodologies to gather data and inform evidence-based action plans.
• As a member of the EDI network, I also took an active role in organising a series of learning events for staff, further fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.

Master’s Project                              A Migrating Identity                     The Glasgow School of Art 2022

A community-driven research project examining the complexities of mixed heritage identity and its intersectionality with migration, belonging, and systemic bias. The project used food as a tool to facilitate engagement, resulting in a co-designed “recipe book” offering creative guidance on navigating aspects of mixed heritage identity through metaphorical recipes. Conducted in-depth ethnographic research, collaborating with community members to document lived experiences and develop participatory design outputs. Outcome endorsed by project stakeholders TAPE Collective, Mixed Bloom Room and artist Jon Rubin. Project received the Equality, Diversity& Inclusion Award by GSA Innovation School in recognition of its innovative approach to fostering intercultural dialogue.

Collaborative Project                             Care-ism                         The Glasgow School of Art 2022-23

A research and design-based project focused on reimagining care as a central social, economic, and cultural activity through a community-driven service model. The project formalised and amplified people’s desire to care, placing their dedication to the community at the core while using decision mathematics as a facilitation tool. Engaged with various stakeholders, including The Care Lab, Well-being Economy Alliance Scotland, and The Care Collective, to validate and refine the project’s approach. Project exhibited at the London Design Biennale 2023 - Care Pavilion.

PGT Lead Representative              Innovation School             The Glasgow School of Art 2021-22

I lead Class Representatives and worked with staff within the 5 GSA schools and professional services to promote the student voice across GSA. I also collaborated with staff from different service areas across the school through Consultative Committees. Helped analyse relevant policies and programme proposals, in addition to suggesting amendments for relevant course material, policies and recruitment procedures.

RSA + LEGO Project Entry                     Press Play                          The Glasgow School of Art 2021

A design response to RSA competition brief “How might we support all families, carers, and communities to play and learn more creatively at home?“. The project aimed to address inequalities in learning faced by newly migrated children and families by designing a toolkit that facilitated cultural exchange in a playful and non-verbal way, easing school integration. Developed a research-based approach to inclusive play, addressing language barriers and cultural differences in primary education. Project endorsed and currently in trial use by participating Edinburgh based EAL teachers and recently migrated families with primary school age children.

Additional Experience

Volunteering                                            Project Volunteer                   Art Space G41 2025 - present

I am currently volunteering at Art Space G41 (a community ceramic studio and artist shop) where I assist with specific funded programmes aimed at children developing drawing skills, ceramics, printmaking and more.

Volunteering                         Volunteer and Interpreter/Translator            The Unity Centre 2022-23

I volunteered at the Unity Centre office where I assisted individuals in navigating complex systems by connecting them with vital community resources, wellbeing services, and essential support such as travel and food. A significant aspect of my work involved simplifying government policies and information to ensure accessibility for those with limited English proficiency, which required patience, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and supportive way. at the Unity Centre office where provided practical support and solidarity to all asylum seekers and other migrants in Scotland and anyone detained in any UK Detention Centres.

Internship        Interior Design and 3D Visualisation Coordinator       Michael Laird Architects 2020

Interior design coordinator and 3D model/visualisation coordinator for selected interior and exterior projects. I collaborated with architects, engineers and sustainability officers on projects aimed to reach the company’s sustainability goals. I worked on both large-scale projects with the team and individual tasks allowing me to gain responsibility and creative confidence.

Work Placement                        Exhibition Coordinator       Italian Cultural Institute of Athens2016

Main responsibilities included assisting in the coordination of selected exhibitions and film screenings, in addition to guiding stakeholders and visitors, providing information about the artists and displayed works. I occasionally assisted in translation work for certificates, documents, and speeches.

• MDes Design Innovation and Citizenship - Distinction at The Glasgow School of Art 2021-22
• BDes Hons Interior and Spatial Design – 1st at Edinburgh Napier University 2017-21
• CertHE Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University 2016-17