Dr Martin Braun

Professional biography

After serving an apprenticeship as an electrical/electronics engineer at a machine factory in Germany and working in the industry for some years, Martin studied electrical engineering/electronics in Germany and the UK. This was followed by Chinese languages studies in Taiwan sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service. Following his return to Europe, Martin settled in England and worked as an Approvals and Production Engineer during which time his company sponsored his part-time MSc studies at the University of York. As circumstances changed Martin successfully transitioned into self-employment as a manufacturing improvement consultant, leading the implementation of Lean manufacturing in several companies. During this time Martin also found time to complete an MA in Chinese Studies (with merit).

In 2011 Martin won an M&S co-sponsored PhD place at the e-futures Doctorial Training Centre at the University of Sheffield. He transitioned into education after graduation, gaining a PGCE in 2017. Martin secured a position as Programme Manager at Leeds City College which saw him in charge of the engineering HE provision. Whilst at Leeds City College, Martin started working as an OU Associate Lecturer. He became a Staff Tutor at the Open University in 2021 and has also achieved the status of Senior Fellow from Advance HE.

Research interests

Martin’s current research interests in educational research particularly focusing on how to improve on-line instructional methods and how to embed sustainability related aspects into the curriculum. Furthermore, he is also interested in investigating how to teach electric power system engineering in an accessible way.