Dr Katie Parsons

BEd, Education and Early Years

Pronouns: She/her
  • Research Fellow
Publications
Google Scholar

Academic Career

  • 2023 onwards: Research Associate, Loughborough University.
  • 2018 – 2023: Researcher, University of Hull.
  • 2017 – 2023: PhD Researcher, University of Hull.
  • 2013 – 2016: Undergraduate, University of Hull.

Professional Career

  • 2021 – 2022 Volunteer Green Warrior Youth worker
  • 2007 – 2009 Registered Childrens Home Manager
  • 2002 – 2006 Assistant Manager of Children Homes
  • 2002 – 2006 Family Advocate for courts
  • 2001 – 2002 Family Support Worker
  • 1998 – 2001 Residential Social Worker

Other Roles

  • 2021 onwards Chair of Exec. Team for Scouts
  • 2020 – 2021 Trustee of Local Pre School-Education
  • 2020 – onwards Climate Reality Leader
  • 2013 – 2015 Childline School Service, NSPCC
  • 2014 – 2015 Research Intern, Family Links
  • 2018 onwards Family Research Advisor, National Childrens Bureau
  • 2018 – 2022 Ethics committee member, The Deep Aquarium

Katie is a transdisciplinary Research Associate in Childrens Geographies who has over 25+ years’ experience of working with children and young people in the social, youth and education sectors.  Katie uses her background and training in play, creative and outdoor therapies alongside participatory action research to develop novel methodologies to work with children, young people and communities.

In the last few years Katie has worked on a variety of projects in the UK and internationally to help communities, children and youth understand and adapt to environmental and climate related disasters.

Prior to this role Katie completed her PhD at the University of Hull, investigating the lived experiences of children and young people and their relationship with the natural environment during and after COVID-19.

During her time at the University of Hull Katie taught in the School of Education, where she contributed to the Social Change and Social Justice module and delivered Forest School training sessions.

Katie also developed and ran a Climate Change Essential CPD which brought together her own methodological approach that she had developed during her thesis, as well as research and expertise from world renowned scientists. Katie created this short programme which combined a light-touch theory with practical, playful and interactive approaches to learning about climate science, climate justice, the regulatory environment, and the action we can all take now in our personal and professional lives to make a difference.