Dr Sarah Curran

Dr Sarah Curran started her academic career in 2001 at the University of Bristol as a research assistant and moved to Cardiff Metropolitan University as a lecturer a year later, progressing to her current role as Reader and Principal Lecturer. The foundation to her philosophy of scholarship is focused on being a critically reflective academic and clinician who embraces research and enterprise informed teaching to enhance the delivery and student experience of undergraduate and post-graduate curriculums. Sarah has a strong passion for curiosity and creativity, developing learning and teaching that is engaging, fun, memorable and applicable for all learning styles. Impact of work Her methods are founded on constructionism and experiential learning, blending technology and practical application. Using computed tomography, she has designed an innovative 3D printed foot bones jigsaw and has had a significant impact on progressing change in learning and teaching in her discipline fostering innovative and applied (hands-on) approaches, and the creation of a bespoke anatomy and physiology laboratory. Sarah is at the forefront of re-defining tradition by minimising disconnect between podiatry practice and education in Wales. She is an Honorary Professor in Podiatric Medicine at the National University Ireland, Galway and was recently part of a working group for developing new UK core-curriculum guidelines to reflect a modern profession. Sarah's knowledge and understanding of her profession is underpinned by research and external activities which she uses to raise the profile of her discipline and develop links with other disciplines creating a multidisciplinary approach to learning and teaching. Sarah has published and presented widely and has undertaken editor roles for international journals. She is the Director (elect) for Education for the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow)  and Secretary of the Executive Board to the same faculty. She is vice-chair for the Research and Development Committee and sits on committee for Clinical Scientists for the College of Podiatry. In April 2014 and 2016 she was chair for the Welsh Podiatric Medicine conference. Plans for the future Sarah is planning to build on her innovations and further produce 3D models with educational additives increasing the hands-on approach to learning and understanding.