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Helen O'Sullivan

MRS

 https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2744-0212

Personal profile

Summary

I am currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Portsmouth within the School of LLE (previously CCI and School of Art, Design and Performance). My PhD research investigates sustainable fashion, responsible consumption and education to determine whether early intervention is the key to more responsible citizen behaviour. I am currently in my fifth year of the six year part-time PhD.

My work is underpinned by Vygotsky: Where learning is seen as a social interaction, and by Freire: By viewing education as a catalyst for critical consciousness. Both approaches aim to develop a creative and practical approach to fashion education, to address the social and environmental issues of fashion and to promote active global citizenship.

My PhD involves practical workshops with primary aged children and their families within the community, exploring the issues of fashion while discovering solutions through creatiion and dialogue.

 

Prior to undertaking a PhD I gained extensive experience of working within sustainable fashion and also the mainstream fashion industry spanning over 19 years. I have worked within sustainable fashion education for over 16 years, 6 as a secondary school teacher and currently work as an educational lead for Global Action Plan. 

Education/Academic qualification

PGCE, Secondary Education - Design and Technology, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Award Date: 31 Jul 2016

BA (Hons), BA Open: Fashion, Sustainable Design & International Development, Open University Milton Keynes

Award Date: 31 Jul 2013

HND, Fashion & Textiles, London Metropolitan University

Award Date: 31 Jul 2008

External positions

Community Engagement Lead - South Wales, Global Action Plan

30 Jun 2024 → …

Associate Lecturer - Historical and Critical Studies (Design), Bath Spa University

31 Oct 2023 → 31 Aug 2024

Lecturer of Fashion, Gower College Swansea

1 Sept 2021 → 31 Aug 2031

Designer/Maker, Aria Bridal UK

1 Sept 2016 → 1 Sept 2020

Secondary School Teacher, Penyrheol Comprehensive School

1 Sept 2016 → 31 Aug 2022

Founder, SustFashWales

1 Jul 2013 → …

Designer/Maker, Blysia Lingerie

1 Dec 2011 → 1 Sept 2015

Textiles Workshop Leader, Gower Heritage Centre

1 Jul 2008 → 1 May 2010

Freelance Pattern Cutter/Maker

1 May 2008 → 1 Feb 2015

Head - Designer/Pattern Cutter, TRAIDRemade

1 Oct 2007 → 1 May 2008

Head - Pattern Cutter/Technologist, Rapture LTD

1 Aug 2005 → 1 Sept 2007

Designer/Pattern Cutter, First Corporate Clothing

1 Jan 2005 → 1 Aug 2005

Keywords

  • L Education (General)
  • Sustainable Development
  • Sustainability
  • fashion design

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 1 - No Poverty
    SDG 1 No Poverty
  2. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  3. SDG 4 - Quality Education
    SDG 4 Quality Education
  4. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
    SDG 5 Gender Equality
  5. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  6. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  7. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  8. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  9. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  10. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

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