https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7562-3363
I am an academic, writer and interdisciplinary researcher widely published in Art and Design Education, focusing on digital transformation in creative contexts. My research examines how ethics, learning design, and emerging technologies intersect with learning spaces, and the sociopolitical and cultural influences that shape learning. I have pioneered innovative methodologies that support practice- based learning across distributed, blended, studio environments. I have conducted extensive technology enhanced learning research in a variety of settings, using arts- based methods and advanced technologies to foster collaborative creativity and empower learners to become investigators of their practice. I have researched how virtual worlds (Second Life) can support young people’s transitions through narrative inquiry: photography and film-making. My research advances theoretical and methodological innovation—thematic and discourse analysis, photo voice, and Activity Theory—to sustain virtual learning communities, enhance well-being, address ethical concerns & develop participatory pedagogies for social justice and intercultural education.
I welcome interdisciplinary proposals (practice-based/thesis) - digital transformation, creative engagement, education for sustainability, health & wellbeing, intercultural learning, decolonisation, equity, inclusion, gender equality etc, contextualised across fields e.g. health, education, community, public/private sector.
Julia Römer - Thesis title: ‘Green’ School Diaries - Primary School Learners’ Experiential Understanding of Sustainability Education
1) Dr Marianne McAra (2017) Participatory design with young people: exploring the experiential, relational and contextual dimensions of participation. PhD thesis, The Glasgow School of Art.
2) Dr Lorraine Marshalsey (2017) An investigation into the experiential impact of sensory affect in contemporary Communication Design studio
education. PhD thesis, The Glasgow School of Art.
3) Dr Mirian Rodriguez Calvo (2019) Co-design and Informal-Mutual Learning: A Context-Based Study Demystified Using Cultural-Historical Activity Theory. PhD thesis, The Glasgow School of Art
4) Dr Saoirse Higgins (2020) Survival Tools of the Anthropocene. PhD thesis, The Glasgow School of Art. (Third supervisor)
5) Dr Ziwei Wang (2022) Using design thinking to develop a new narrative-based career construction counselling model for young people in life transitions. PhD thesis, The Glasgow School of Art.
6) Dr Ying Zhang (2024) Exploring the role of Virtual Reality technology to support the development of creative practice in visual arts education: an in-depth case study of graffiti art. PhD thesis, The Glasgow School of Art.
I have a record of excellence in learning & teaching and teach into the Research Degrees Training Programme.
At GSA, I was Senior Academic Fellow in Digital Learning (2015-2025) and led the Masters in Learning, Teaching and Supervisory Practices in the Creative Disciplines (2017-2024). I directed the Cross School Postgraduate Electives (2013-2024) and convened the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Ethics Committee.
GSA Institutional Lead for Scottish Enhancement Themes: Developing Resilient Learning Communities (2020-2023)
I served as external examiner for the BA in Education and Design and Fine Art at National College of Art and Design, Dublin (2020-2024).
