Educator & Researcher
Rachel Heeley is the Head of Department for Creative Industries at the University of Staffordshire, with a diverse professional background spanning fashion styling, fashion and textile design, and events management. She previously authored and developed the BA Fashion course at Staffordshire, shaping its curriculum and pedagogical approach.
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Rachel is dyslexic and a passionate advocate for education. Her lived experience strongly informs her commitment to inclusive teaching, assessment, and learning environments within higher education. She believes education should recognise difference as a strength and actively support diverse ways of thinking, learning, and creating.
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In 2019, Rachel was awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) in recognition of her leadership and contribution to teaching and learning. She also acts as an External Examiner at Liverpool Hope University.​
Rachel is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Birmingham, focusing on dyslexia and inclusive education within coursework-based degree programmes.​ Her doctoral research explores how dyslexic students navigate higher education and the strategies they develop to succeed.
Working title: Coping Strategies and Their Impact on Dyslexic Undergraduate Students in 100% Coursework-Based Courses.
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Rachel is currently seeking first-year dyslexic undergraduate students to take part in a year-long research study as part of this work, more information here
