Ms Lisa Rees-O'Donnell
| Biography | Lisa Rees-O'Donnell is an academic and business specialist in higher education, currently serving at Salford Business School. She is committed to applied business practices, social mobility, and widening participation, ensuring that education is both accessible and impactful. Lisa is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, with her research focusing on widening participation, fostering allyship, and advocating for marginalised women in higher education. Her work explores the barriers faced by underrepresented groups and examines how institutions can create inclusive, equitable learning environments that support both academic and professional success. She is particularly passionate about developing strategies that enable women from diverse backgrounds to thrive in business education and beyond. Beyond academia, Lisa actively engages in industry partnerships, curriculum innovation, and professional development. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and enterprise, ensuring that learners gain real-world, industry-aligned skills that empower them in their careers. Through her work, she continues to champion equity, inclusion, and transformative learning experiences. |
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| 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. |