Dr Helen Donelan

Professional biography

I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing and Communications, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Faculty at the Open University. 

After studying Communications Engineering and Electronics at Liverpool University I worked in the telecoms industry as a Design Engineer designing structured cabling systems. I went on to complete a PhD at Leeds University in the area of mobile communications which was funded by a departmental scholarship and start-up company sponsorship. On completion of my PhD I worked at Leeds Metropolitan University, initially as a Researcher, and then as a Lecturer where I developed courses and taught in various areas including mobile communications and networking.

I joined the Open University in 2006 initially as a Research Fellow, working on a project concerned with women in STEM careers, before becoming a Lecturer in 2008, then a Senior Lecturer in 2016.

I currently work on various computing and communications modules and qualifications.

I am also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).

Research interests

My current research interests include:

• Technologies and approaches for online group work
• Women in STEM
• Technologies in learning and teaching

I am a member of TERG (Technology and Education Research Group) and currently supervising two postgraduate students. 

Teaching interests

I am currently working on undergraduate modules in the area of communications technologies (TM255, TM355) and chairing the production of a new Stage 1 module, Computing Fundamentals 1 (TM110). 

I am also the Qualification Lead for BSc Computing with Electronic Engineering and a member of the Computing and Communications Board of Studies.

Impact and engagement

I was a founding member and Associate Editor for the International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology.