I am an Associate Professor of Education in Swansea University. As a former primary school teacher I've seen first-hand the transformative power of education, but also the challenges some children and young people can face along the way.

My passion for supporting pupil wellbeing and my love of animals has led me to an exciting and rapidly growing area of research, exploring the special relationship between people and animals. In fact, school dogs are gaining popularity across UK schools, potentially offering emotional support, boosting engagement and creating calmer learning environments. However, the rise in interest has outpaced the development of structured guidance for schools. Without clear frameworks, there's a real risk of inconsistent practices that could unintentionally harm both children and dogs.

This Fellowship will offer me a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in this field, deepening my understanding and enabling me to develop evidence-based resources. These would support educators, parents, other professionals and communities in implementing happy, safe and effective school dog programmes, ensuring they truly benefit everyone involved.