Dr Sophie Knowles
Leighton Buzzard
Summary
Professional with expertise in academic publishing, editing, and project management. Demonstrated ability to improve organizational effectiveness through strategic leadership and innovative teaching methods. Proficient in academic writing, communication, and analytical skills to promote collaboration among teams.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Associate Professor
Middlesex University
London
09.2015 - 06.2025
- Promoted to Associate Professor in 2023.
- Directed Research and Knowledge Exchange within Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries from 2021 to 2024.
- Developed innovative curriculum to enhance student understanding.
- Conducted lectures, seminars, and practical workshops for comprehensive student engagement.
- Fostered critical and creative thinking through discussions and established 'Conversation Series.'
- Led review of undergraduate programme and validation of distance learning MSc.
- Managed cross-university working group on inclusive innovation.
- Established initiatives such as annual surveys and workshops for staff development.
Research Associate
University of Cambridge
Cambridge
06.2015 - 09.2015
- Conducted research within Department of Politics and International Studies for ESCR-funded project over three months.
- Facilitated collaboration with researchers to enhance project outcomes through diverse perspectives.
- Developed webpage and resources addressing freedom of expression in religious contexts post-Charlie Hebdo.
Post-doctoral Researcher
City University
London
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Researched and developed proposals on media and financial crises, examining public trust and financial capability.
- Published findings in high-impact scholarly journals, enhancing understanding in the field.
- Co-edited a multidisciplinary book volume published by Routledge on media and austerity.
Tutor
Open University and Murdoch University
Western Australia
06.2011 - 06.2014
- Delivered academic skills instruction to diverse students across levels 3-6.
- Designed engaging coursework materials that stimulated intellectual curiosity.
- Fostered a positive learning environment to enhance student focus and participation.
- Provided additional resources for self-study, extending support beyond tutoring hours.
Business Journalist
Corporate International Magazine
Birmingham
06.2009 - 03.2011
- Produced independent features and editorials for Corporate International, reaching over 100,000 readers globally.
- Cultivated relationships with industry professionals to secure exclusive information and interviews.
- Conducted high-profile interviews, delivering valuable insights into business trends.
- Reported on key industry events to ensure timely coverage of relevant developments.
- Refined skills in data journalism through in-depth analysis of financial data sets.
Journalist
Community News Group
Perth, Australia
03.2008 - 01.2009
- Developed and authored topical news and feature stories.
- Collaborated with editors to enhance story quality.
- Regularly pitched innovative story ideas and contributed to editorial planning.
Education
MBA - leadership
Middlesex University Business School
London 09.2023 - 08.2025
Post-Graduate Certificate - Higher Education
Middlesex University
02.2016 - 02.2017
PhD - Media and Communications
Murdoch University
Australia 01.2010 - 06.2014
Master of Arts - Development media and journalism
Murdoch University
Australia 08.2007 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
University of York
10.2004 - 07.2007
Skills
- Editing and publishing
- Team management and motivation
- Research development
- Digital storytelling
- Communication skills
- Research methodologies
- Technical proficiency: Office 365, Excel, NVivo, SPSS
- Pedagogical innovation
- Scholarly communication
References
- Paul Cobley, Professor Emeritus in Semiotics, former Deputy Dean for Research, Middlesex University, p.cobley@mdx.ac.uk
- Steve Schifferes, Professor Emeritus in Financial Journalism, City University London, schifferes1@gmail.com
Timeline
MBA - leadership
Middlesex University Business School
09.2023 - 08.2025
Post-Graduate Certificate - Higher Education
Middlesex University
02.2016 - 02.2017
Associate Professor
Middlesex University
09.2015 - 06.2025
Research Associate
University of Cambridge
06.2015 - 09.2015
Post-doctoral Researcher
City University
08.2014 - 05.2015
Tutor
Open University and Murdoch University
06.2011 - 06.2014
PhD - Media and Communications
Murdoch University
01.2010 - 06.2014
Business Journalist
Corporate International Magazine
06.2009 - 03.2011
Journalist
Community News Group
03.2008 - 01.2009
Master of Arts - Development media and journalism
Murdoch University
08.2007 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
University of York
10.2004 - 07.2007
Similar Profiles
Mohamad E S ShaatMohamad E S Shaat
Student Learning Assistant at Middlesex UniversityStudent Learning Assistant at Middlesex University
Abhinav Baby SanjilAbhinav Baby Sanjil
Partnerships, Outreach and Regional Development Coordinator at Middlesex UniversityPartnerships, Outreach and Regional Development Coordinator at Middlesex University
Gian RaiGian Rai
Financial Controls Consultant (Interim) at Middlesex UniversityFinancial Controls Consultant (Interim) at Middlesex University
Jason RiseboroughJason Riseborough
Took a career break at Career breakTook a career break at Career break
Alice PoultenAlice Poulten
SENCO at Sir Thomas Abney SchoolSENCO at Sir Thomas Abney School