I joined the School of Education as a Lecturer in Education in October 2023, transferring from the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability (University of Glasgow), where I had been based since January 2017. Previously, I have worked as an Associate Tutor in the School of Education, University of Glasgow. Originally from Poland, I completed both the Ph.D. (2009 - 2013) and MEd (2006 - 2007) degrees at the University of Glasgow.

I am an interdisciplinary researcher whose work is located at the intersections of sociology, gender and educational studies. I am interested in micro and macro-level processes that shape gender inequality.

My work concentrates on designing and testing empowerment training programmes that aim at reducing gender bias in Sub – Saharan Africa. ‘The Equality Project: Starting from Home’ is a project, which I led together with partners in Kenya and Tanzania. This research was driven by the idea that gender equality starts at home as the household is a domain where unequal cultural norms are intially taught and reinforced. The main message of the programme was that partners should work together as a team and develop a shared vision for their family - then they can achieve goals they could not achieve on their own.

More recently, my work has focused on domestic violence in informal settlements in Rwanda and on developing research-informed prevention models.  While conducting sensitive research I work with innovative and therapeutic methods such as the ‘Tree of Life’ framework and other narrative therapies.

List by: Type | Date

2019 - 2021

Principal Investigator on the project entitled ‘The Equality Project: Starting From Home’, funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund, University of Glasgow (£70,000).

2019

Co-investigator on the project entitled ‘Workers by Self-Design: Digital Literacies and Women’s Changing Roles in Unstable Environments’, funded by the Scottish Funding Council, Global Challenges Research Fund (£27,260).

2017 – 2019

Co-investigator on the project entitled ‘Strengthening Urban Engagement of Universities in Africa and Asia’, funded by the British Academy, Cities & Infrastructure Programme (£298,500).

2017

Co-investigator on the project entitled ‘Strengthening the Regional Engagement Role of Universities in Africa and Asia’, funded by the Scottish Funding Council, Global Challenges Research Fund (£29,500).

2016 – 2017

Co-investigator on the project entitled ‘Film Education in Scottish Libraries’, funded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (£9,000).

I welcome inquiries and applications from potential PhD students who share any of my research interests, especially related to:

• gender issues in education
• constructions of gendered identities
• research on masculinities
• research incorporating the use of social networking websites
• social inequalities and social justice (in particular in relation to children and young people)

• Vanderhoven, Ellen
  Dual apprenticeships in Mexico

My pedagogical philosophy is based on a belief that teaching has to be student-centred and relate to students’ personal experiences. My aim is to help students to become independent and critical thinkers. I believe that encouraging people to reflect critically on theory, research, policy and practice can generate a positive social change and lead to achieving greater social equality. I have experience as a course leader for a number of postgraduate and undergraduate courses.

 Postgraduate courses

• Identities, Relationships and Behaviours  
• Perspectives on Youth and Young Adulthood
• Advanced Research Methods

Undergraduate courses

• Curriculum and Assessment 
• Education in Its Wider Context