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
2015.09 - 2025.06
- 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
2015.06 - 2015.09
- 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
2014.08 - 2015.05
- 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
2011.06 - 2014.06
- 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
2009.06 - 2011.03
- 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
2008.03 - 2009.01
- 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 2023.09 - 2025.08
Post-Graduate Certificate - Higher Education
Middlesex University
2016.02 - 2017.02
PhD - Media and Communications
Murdoch University
Australia 2010.01 - 2014.06
Master of Arts - Development media and journalism
Murdoch University
Australia 2007.08 - 2008.08
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
University of York
2004.10 - 2007.07
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
2023.09 - 2025.08
Post-Graduate Certificate - Higher Education
Middlesex University
2016.02 - 2017.02
Associate Professor
Middlesex University
2015.09 - 2025.06
Research Associate
University of Cambridge
2015.06 - 2015.09
Post-doctoral Researcher
City University
2014.08 - 2015.05
Tutor
Open University and Murdoch University
2011.06 - 2014.06
PhD - Media and Communications
Murdoch University
2010.01 - 2014.06
Business Journalist
Corporate International Magazine
2009.06 - 2011.03
Journalist
Community News Group
2008.03 - 2009.01
Master of Arts - Development media and journalism
Murdoch University
2007.08 - 2008.08
Bachelor of Arts - Art History
University of York
2004.10 - 2007.07