Lesley Fewster

I am an experienced researcher who, after over a decade in higher education, has decided to seek different challenges and use my skills for other purposes. During the pandemic, I switched career somewhat towards applying behavioural science in government.

Behavioural Scientist

Department for Work and Pensions, UK

2021 - PRESENT

• I combine (and develop) behavioural science tools with a broad range of UX and social research methods to support effective policy and operational process design across the full range of business for a large UK Government Department.
• I collaborate with stakeholders within and outside the Department to define problems and iteratively develop solutions to complex problems.
• I take system-based approaches to understand user behaviours and journeys, and work to ensure decisions are made on the basis on accurate understanding of human behaviour. I seek out opportunities to make a difference and employ inclusive design principles in everything that I do.

Senior Lecturer (Research and Teaching)

Northumbria University, UK

2014 - 2021

• User experiences: I drew upon user feedback and quantitative data to understand and improve user experiences (students and staff). My leadership in developing the technology enhanced learning offer across the Faculty was identified as an example of innovative and effective practice by the University senior leadership and formed the basis of my successful professional accreditation by the Higher Education Academy.. 
• My research: I used qualitative methods to understand the metaphors and iconography of early childhood development, and their affects on parenting and early years educational practice. I undertook 
• Supporting research: I led the research design and methodology components of the Childhood and Early Years Studies degree programme. I supervised 3 doctoral research students, and acted as a subject expert on the oversight panels for 2 doctoral students.

Lecturer (Research and Teaching)

The University of Edinburgh, UK

2011 - 2014

• User experiences: I drew upon user feedback and quantitative data to understand and improve user experiences (students and staff) on a professionally accredited degree programme in Childhood Practice. 
• My research: I used a range of contextual qualitative methods to understand the material cultures surrounding bodily growth and development in infancy and early childhood.
• Supporting research: I taught (qualitative and quantitative) research design and methodology at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including specialist modules on research with children, and supervised student research projects.

Lecturer (Research and Teaching)

The Open University, UK

2008 - 2011

• As in the above posts, the post encompassed: teaching; user research to understand enhance the student experience; and designing and carrying out an independent programme of academic research.

PhD Geography, The University of Edinburgh, UK (2011)

MSc Human Geography, The University of Edinburgh, UK (2005)

MA (Hons) Geography, University of Glasgow, UK (2003)