Hello
My name is Tracy. I'm Associate Dean (Research & Innovation) and Postgraduate Research Coordinator in the School of Education at Plymouth Marjon University, where I lead the Youth and Community Programmes at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.
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I am a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK and a member of BERA (British Educational Research Association) where I serve on the Conference and Events Committee. In 2018, I was awarded the BERA Anna Craft Creativities in Education Prize for my paper Responsive, responsible research: Lexi’s Story.
The focus of my work is on transforming spaces: from youth and community settings to academic leadership, I've been committed to creating environments where people and nature can truly flourish together. My journey from community worker to Associate Dean has been less about climbing a ladder and more about building bridges between research, education, and community development.
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Looking ahead, I'm excited to push the boundaries of research innovation. My work will continue exploring how we can create more accessible, nature-connected learning experiences that empower young people, communities and support diverse practitioners.
The most exciting research happens at the intersection of disciplines - where youth work meets environmental studies, where mental health connects with outdoor learning, where community development becomes a living, breathing practice.
To every youth worker, educator, and community builder: our work matters. Not just in the moment, but in the long, interconnected story of human potential.