The purpose of my Fellowship is to inform policy and practice by learning from international comparators who have pioneered targeted, aspiration-raising programmes for disadvantaged young people, increasing their progression to and attainment in higher education (HE).

The Fellowship enables me to visit innovative widening participation (WP) programmes across nine cities in Canada and New Zealand, and has the potential to improve the aspirations of disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland – particularly working class, Protestant boys – and their representation and attainment in HE.

As a learning development tutor at Queen's University Belfast, my interests are in teaching and learning, online education and learning technology. I provide academic skills support through one-to-one consultations with undergraduate students, workshop delivery, and the development of online resources. I am also the WP contact for prospective and current mature students.

Through completion of a doctorate in education, I have observed the benefits that outreach activity can have in equipping young people with the confidence and self-belief to attend university and flourish.