Dr Elizabeth Foley

  • Lecturer in Mathematics (School of Social & Environmental Sustainability)

Biography

Liz grew up in the north of England and read Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University; her final year project looked at the structure of natural shapes and materials. After gaining experience working in as a consulting engineer in the steel industry, Liz went on to study for a PhD in Clinical Biomechanics at Strathclyde University. The research involved the mathematical modelling of total knee replacements, and was carried out in collaboration of staff and patients at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.    

After gaining a PGDE (Secondary) from Edinburgh University, Liz went on to obtain a position as a teacher in a local secondary school, where she remained for twelve years. Liz has been working as a Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the Dumfries Campus since 2023, teaching on both the PGDE and Masters of Primary Education Programmes. When she is not busy developing innovative and creative ways to teach Mathematics, she can be found exploring the amazing landscape of Dumfries and Galloway.

Research interests

  • Mathematical Thinking
  • Active learning
  • Creativity in Mathematics Education
  • Equity in Education

Supervision

I welcome enquiries about supervision relating to my research interests in: maths and creativity; active learning in maths; equity within (maths) education; primary to secondary transition (within maths education).

Teaching

Mathematics: Theory and Pedagogy 1 - MA(Hons) Primary Education  

Mathematics: Theory and Pedagogy 2 - MA(Hons) Primary Education

Enhanced Mathematics 3 - MA (Hons) Primary Eduacation

Mathematics - PGDE (Primary)