Dr Janine Liladhar

I studied with the Open University (OU) from 1987 to 1994 while, like many OU students, also looking after my children and working in paid employment. After I graduated, I researched and wrote my doctoral thesis under the supervision of Professor Sara Mills at Sheffield Hallam University (see 'Research interests' below).

While working on my PhD, I gained teaching experience at the Workers' Education Association, as well as some campus based universities, before joining the OU as an Associate Lecturer (AL); a position I held for 15 years. During this time, I also worked as a Learner Support Adviser, specialising in Widening Participation (WP). My collaboration with Dr Evelyn Kerslake, designed to reach out to  individuals and groups that are under-represented in HE, was recognised with a Team Teaching Award. 

In 2011, I became a Senior Faculty Manager, recruiting, supporting and developing ALs, as well as working with them to support their students. I was awarded, Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2015. In 2019, my role changed to Staff Tutor, which means that I continue to work with ALs but also have a place on the Module Team of DE100: Exploring Psychology 1.

I remain interested in constructions of race and gender, as well as in supporting students who are under-represented in HE, and these interests manifest particularly through the gathering and sharing of inclusive practices and pedagogies (see 'Teaching interests' below).