ProfessorFionnuala Dillane

Research is central to my approach to student learning in a number of different ways: my teaching is research-led (shaped by my research interests); research-oriented (emphasising processes by which knowledge is produced); research-based (students conduct research as part of their learning); and research-informed (alert to and informed by teaching and learning strategies) [see National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 (DES, 2011), p. 54 ]. My co-edited collection of essays, The Body in Pain in Irish Literature and Culture (2016), directly reflects the integration of all aspects of this philosophy coming as it did from shared research interests with colleagues, which led to the development of a level-3 module, which I coordinate. The collection of essays will be used as a core teaching text in the classroom to guide students towards developing their independent, individual, critical voice in their research work for this module.

Innovation and Leadership
In my role as Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities, I provided leadership and support for the most radical transformation of our undergraduate Arts and Humanities programmes in over a decade, including managing the embedding of prorgramme level learning outcomes across the curriculium; the introduction of innovative research modules (in conjuncton with UCD Specials Collections and our VPTL; the development of, interdisciplinary and career readiness modules at different stages ofthe programme in conjunction with our Careers and Skills consultant; the development and delivery of the first ever internship progrmmess for UCD Arts and Humanities undergraduates. I have radically revised the routes by which students can take their places in our programmes and have put in place a range of support structures so each student can be kept at the centre of our attention and care.

UCD WRITING CENTRE
From 2010-2014 I ran a series of pilot projects to test the need and effectiveness of one-to-one writing support services for undergraduate students. In 2015 I secured three-year funding to support the UCD Writing Centre's team of nine tutors and a Manager. The Centre offers free writing support to all UCD students and is now supported by permanent funding. As well as supporting students on the Belfield campus, its online platforms support our students across the globle. UCD Writing Centre runs a programme with DEIS Secondary Schools in the South and West Dublin areas to support all writers at an earlier stage in their academic lives.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTION
I am a passionate, vocal and enthusiastic advocate for the value of Arts and Humanities education. I have presented at events in Ireland, Europe and the US where I articulated in the value of Arts and Humanities for the intellectually curious and socially-engaged, for those interested in communication and persuasion, for the creative, critical thinker and those driven by questions seeking to understand the relationships between the individual, social structures, language, culture and power. In my work with a range of stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, employers, alumni and media and public more broadly, I take paticular care to illustrate how an Arts and Humanities education supports a range of postgraduate and career opportunities as well as a flourishing life, open to the understanding that we are all life long learners.

I was elected Vice-President (2020-222) and President (2022-24) of the long-standing, international scholarly organisation, Reserach Society for Victorian Periodicals and worked with members and elected officers and board members on a range of initiatives over this four year period to sustain and develop the organisation through the global pandemic and beyond.