Dr Lisa Rees-O'Donnell
| Post Nominals | EdD, MEd, PG Cert, BA (hons), PGDE, SFHEA, QTLS |
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| Biography | Lisa Rees-O'Donnell is an academic and business education specialist based at Salford Business School. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to applied business practice, social mobility and widening participation, ensuring that higher education is both accessible and transformative for all learners. Currently, Lisa is leading the design of a whole-university experience for Global Entrepreneurship Week, bringing together over 60 businesses to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and showcase the talent and innovation within Salford Business School. Alongside this, she is developing a pipeline of short courses for the Global MBA, in partnership with Future Learn, aimed at expanding international reach and professional upskilling opportunities. Lisa recently completed her Doctorate in Education, with research focused on widening participation, fostering allyship and championing the inclusion of marginalised women in higher education. Her work explores structural barriers faced by underrepresented groups and identifies how institutions can create inclusive, equitable learning environments that support academic achievement and career progression. She is particularly passionate about developing strategies that enable women from diverse backgrounds to thrive in business education and beyond. Beyond academia, Lisa plays an active role in industry engagement, curriculum innovation and professional learning. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and enterprise by embedding real-world, industry-aligned skills that empower students to succeed in dynamic employment settings. She currently collaborates with Salford City Council’s Enterprise Task Force, is a Bolton Business Ambassador, and acts as a network liaison with GMLPN, the Directors Forum, and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Lisa is also working with Pro-Manchester to deliver Race Equity Group action plan workshops across the region. |
| Research Interests | Lisa Rees-O'Donnell's research focuses on widening participation, fostering allyship, and advocating for marginalised women in higher education. Her work critically examines the systemic barriers that hinder access, retention, and success for underrepresented groups, particularly in business education. By exploring inclusive learning models and industry-aligned teaching practices, Lisa seeks to create a more equitable and empowering educational experience. Her research directly informs curriculum development, ensuring that learning frameworks at Salford Business School are: Inclusive – Embedding diverse perspectives and lived experiences into course content. Applied – Strengthening links between academia and industry to enhance employability. Impactful – Equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive in business. By integrating real-world challenges, enterprise case studies, and work-based and entrepreneurial learning opportunities, Lisa’s approach aligns with the university’s ethos of transformative, practice-based education. Her work supports Salford Business School’s mission to champion social mobility, business innovation, and lifelong learning, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed. |
| Teaching and Learning | Lisa Rees-O'Donnell is committed to inclusive, applied, and industry-aligned education, ensuring that students gain real-world business knowledge that enhances career development and entrepreneurial aspirations. Her approach to teaching and learning is shaped by: Inclusive Practice – Creating equitable learning environments where all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can thrive. Business-Embedded Learning – Integrating practical, industry-focused insights within curricula to build commercial awareness and employability skills. Enterprise & Innovation – Encouraging students to think entrepreneurially, equipping them with problem-solving and leadership capabilities. With a PGDE, a Master’s in Education, and Senior Fellowship of the HEA, Lisa has extensive experience in curriculum development, teaching assessment, and pedagogical innovation. As a qualified teaching assessor with both the University of Huddersfield and the University of Bolton, she has supported the professional development of educators, ensuring high-quality teaching standards. Her passion for applied learning, social mobility, and business education aligns with Salford Business School’s ethos, empowering students to navigate the business world with confidence, competence, and creativity. |