Mrs Laura Duncan

Laura teaches academic and professional communication to MSc students across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS), working in partnership with subject programmes to integrate communication development within disciplinary learning. Through close alignment with core modules, she supports students in making the academic and cultural transition to UK higher education while developing the communication skills required for success in engineering and related STEM disciplines.

Laura also delivers Presenting Your Project workshops for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These sessions provide opportunities to practise poster presentations, engage in structured peer review, and receive formative feedback to enhance confidence and performance ahead of assessment.

In addition, Laura teaches on the Intercultural Communication option within Medical Humanities. This option encourages undergraduate medical students to explore how culture shapes communication, identity and professional practice in healthcare contexts. Students examine the assumptions, values and communicative preferences they bring to interactions with patients and colleagues, developing greater intercultural awareness and culturally responsive approaches to medical practice in contemporary healthcare settings.

Laura Duncan is a Senior Teaching Fellow in the Academic Centre for International Students (ACIS), within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Southampton, and Co-Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Humanities.

Since joining the University in 2005, Laura has been dedicated to supporting students throughout their transition into and progression through higher education. She has extensive experience working with pre-sessional, foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and has particular expertise in STEM communication and academic language development.

Alongside her teaching, Laura develops innovative resources to widen access to learning. She is the creator of the English for Engineers YouTube channel, which provides flexible, on-demand support for students studying in STEM disciplines around the world.

Laura is committed to advancing professional development within higher education and contributes to national and international communities of practice. Through BALEAP, she established the STEM Special Interest Group in 2022, creating opportunities for collaboration and professional learning among practitioners working in English for Academic Purposes and related fields.

Equity, diversity and inclusion underpin Laura's teaching, leadership and professional activities. She is a member of the In-IT-Together working group, which seeks to address the underrepresentation of certain groups in National Teaching Fellowship Awards. She also contributes to sector-wide conversations on inclusive education and teaching excellence through publications and thought leadership in Advance HE and WonkHE.