Dr Caitlin Kight

About me:

I came to education via a circuitous and multidisciplinary route, starting in behavioural ecology (specializing in animal communication), then moving through science editing, communications and marketing, and academic development, before finally accepting an academic position. My family contains many teachers and wordsmiths, so it is perhaps unsurprising that I have always been interested in supporting learning -- not just in the classroom, but also through outreach events, writing, and art. I am a LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator and often use this and other playful techniques in my approach.

I believe that education is a key means through which we can facilitate equity and justice -- not just for people but also for the natural environment with which we are intimately connected. Because of my interest in pedagogies of care and liberation, I have pursued topics and practices associated with social justice, sustainability, and pastoral care. For example, I am a Dignity and Respect Advisor, a Mental Health Champion, a qualified first aider, and an accredited coach (through Notion and Ikigai Tribe); I am also an editor and writer for the nonprofit educational magazine Current Conservation.

As a researcher, I study the value of self-study as an approach to support the development of confidence, compassion, and expertise; I am especially keen to explore these reflective techniques as a means of supporting teachers to engage with social justice activities within their education practice. I am also interested in education within the heritage sector -- thinking about how to decolonise heritage spaces and equip visitors, volunteers, and heritage practitioners to fruitfully engage with historical spaces and artefacts even when they are emotionally and mentally challenging.

Qualifications:
Academic qualifications:

EdD, School of Education, University of Exeter (ongoing)

PCAP, Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter, 2018

PhD in Applied Science, College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia, USA), 2009

MS in Biology, College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia, USA), 2005

BS in Biology, Haverford College (Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA), 2003

Further qualifications:

Accredited Internal Coach (August 2022)

STAR® Manager Practitioner (June 2022)

STAR® Manager (June 2022)

Ikigai Tribe Coach (February 2021)

Lego® Serious Play® Facilitator (September 2020)

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020)

Career:

October 2018-October 2022: Senior Academic Developer, University of Exeter, UK

March 2017-October 2018: Academic Developer, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

February 2017-March 2018: Campaign Manager, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

February 2016-February 2017: Head of Communications and Marketing (maternity cover), College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

August 2014-January 2016: Communications and Marketing Manager, Cornwall Campuses, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK

September 2013-August 2014: Education Team Leader, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK

October 2012-May 2013: Assistant Grand Challenges co-ordinator

October-December 2012: Associate lecturer; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Tremough, Penryn, UK

Winter 2009-Autumn 2013: Science editor; Editage, Mumbai, India

Autumn 2010-Autumn 2013: Postdoctoral researcher; University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK