Coordinator: Difficult Dialogues Project

Deirdre received her M.Soc.Sc. (Psychiatric Nursing) in 2005 and has recently completed a Ph.D. in Higher Education Studies at the UFS.
Deirdre was a part-time temporary lecturer at the School of Nursing, UFS, from 1999 until 2007 and has been a facilitator/researcher at the CTL (previously the Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development / CHESD) since 2007.

Deirdre has expertise in qualitative research and has presented numerous workshops for academic staff and postgraduate students on the use of the Nominal Group Technique. She has also acted as research consultant at various faculties and departments in this regard. Deirdre has received the following local awards:
- Best Junior Presentation in the Category: Education/Qualitative Research at the Annual Faculty Forum, Faculty of Health Sciences (2005 and 2007).
- Best Advanced Presenter at the Annual CHESD Postgraduate Student Presentation Day (2007 and 2009).
She has co-supervised two completed M.A. HES studies and is currently supervisor for a M.A. HES student and co-supervisor for a Ph.D. candidate.

Current research projects:

• Difficult Dialogues Pilot Project
• Accommodation needs for students with disabilities

• Diversity in higher education
• Mentoring

Facilitator of a Natural Science Education Service Learning module (NEC302)