Jayne Quoiani (BSc (Hons), MRes, PGCE)

Head of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Biography

Background

I have worked in STEM education for over 16 years across a variety of roles including classroom teacher, STEM coordinator, education resource developer, engagement officer, science centre manager, and STEM lecturer. During this time, I have designed and led large-scale interdisciplinary learning programmes, both online and in person, linking curriculum to contemporary research and practice at local, national, and international level.

I provide strategic leadership in STEM learning, with a particular focus on widening participation and inclusive access to higher education. My leadership practice emphasises systems that reduce barriers and optimise inclusion, enabling learners from diverse backgrounds to participate and succeed. This includes supporting students with learning differences, disabilities, English as a second language, caregiving responsibilities, and limited financial resources.

Through my leadership, I aim to dismantle the social, cultural, and economic barriers that often limit engagement with STEM subjects. I work to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to develop scientific literacy, knowledge, and skills, whether to pursue STEM pathways and careers or to feel empowered to critically engage with STEM in society.

As a lifelong learner, I am committed to reflective practice. I continuously adapt resources and approaches in response to feedback, emerging research, and technological change. I also embed robust systems for evaluating quality and impact, ensuring that both colleagues and learners are supported to thrive.

Qualifications

  • Senior Fellowship of Advance HE (SFHEA) – in progress, 2024

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PgCAP) – in progress, University of Edinburgh

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Distinction, International Education – University of Dundee, 2015

  • Master of Research (MRes) in Science with Distinction – University of Edinburgh, 2004

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons, First Class) in Molecular Biology – University of Edinburgh, 2003

Responsibilities & affiliations

Research summary

​​​​​​My educational research interests lie at the intersection of STEM education, widening participation, and inclusive curriculum design. I focus on developing and evaluating systems and pedagogies that reduce barriers to STEM learning, particularly for learners at transition points into higher education. This work is underpinned by a strong commitment to evaluation and reflection, ensuring that insights are translated into practice so as to have meaningful impact within and beyond the University.

Current research interests

My current educational research is centred on inclusive numeracy and mathematics education. I am particularly interested in how learners with diverse experiences, including those with learning differences, disabilities, multilingual backgrounds, or from low-participation communities, can be better supported to thrive in higher education. I explore the role of digital and systems-based pedagogies in enhancing accessibility, with an emphasis on approaches that build confidence as well as competence. Interdisciplinarity also shapes my work, as I design and evaluate research-linked STEM learning experiences that connect formal curricula with informal and community-based learning. I am equally engaged in examining institutional culture and structures, considering how universities can widen access and reduce barriers to participation at a systemic level.

Past research interests

- Science communication and engagement, including management and evaluation of large-scale outreach programmes at the Roslin Institute and Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre. - Public engagement with contemporary bioscience, including genetics, animal health, and One Health approaches; with a focus on engaging with underserved learners. - Development of educational resources for international publishers, with emphasis on curriculum design, interdisciplinarity, and bilingual/CLIL approaches in STEM. - Molecular biology and medical genetics (protein degradation pathways, ovarian cancer research, germline mutation studies).

Knowledge exchange

Knowledge exchange and impact are central to my practice. I have led nationally recognised, award-winning, public engagement projects such as Opening a Can of Worms, in collaboration with Understanding Animal Research, Lab Skills in Action with Education Scotland, and The Skills Lab, a national initiative for school students studying the National 5 Lab Skills course.

I contribute to the wider STEM and higher education community through governance and advisory roles, including serving as a Member of The Royal Society’s Partnership Grants Allocating Panel, a Member of the Bayes Centre Board of Studies, and a Member of the Centre for Open Learning’s Operational Development Committee. These roles enable me to shape curriculum design, policy, and widening participation strategy at institutional and national level.

Internationally, I have worked with the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network on the African Schools Outreach Programme, supporting capacity-building in STEM education across global contexts. Closer to home, I am an active member of the Scottish Community of Access and Participation Practitioners (SCAPP), Regional Champion for the Great Science Share and former manager of the Midlothian Schools Science Programme, where I contribute to sector-wide dialogue on inclusive STEM practice. These activities reflect my belief that STEM capital can be transformative, driving both institutional change and broader societal impact.

Affiliated research centres

Project activity

Across my career, I have led and contributed to a wide range of funded projects and institutional initiatives that connect contemporary STEM research with education, widening participation, and inclusive curriculum design. These projects bring together research, teaching, and community engagement, enhancing learner confidence while ensuring wider research impact.

Current project grants

I currently lead major initiatives within the University of Edinburgh, through the Centre for Open Learning (COL):

Design and development of new STEM Foundation Programmes, providing alternative pathways into undergraduate study for learners without ‘traditional’ qualifications, ensuring alignment with University strategic initiatives such as Skills for Success Framework and Strategy 2030.

Leadership of Access Mathematics and Data courses, embedding inclusive numeracy pedagogy and innovative assessment design to support learners transitioning into higher education.

Creation of digital and blended resources for widening participation, including interactive numeracy modules and online transition tools to build student confidence before and during entry into university.

Institutional systems innovation, including the design of processes and resources that optimise inclusivity across teaching, curriculum development, and student support.

Past project grants

Bee Lab Follow-on Funding (£30,000, Royal Society Schools Partnership Grant, 2021–2024) – Partnership with SASA to extend three years of research-linked outreach on pollinator health.

Translation of Marvellous Mixtures to Gaelic (£1,500, CMVM PE, 2022) – Development of accessible resources.

Pondering Life: Microscopy Toolkit (£5,000, Microbiology Society, 2020) – Resource co-developed with Laura Glenndenning.

Diagnosing the Health of Honey Bees (£5,000, Royal Society Schools Partnership Grant, 2019–2020) – Partnership with Annan Academy & Kelso High School.

Public Engagement Lending Library (£4,250, Student Experience Grant, 2018–2019) – Principal Applicant.

Cow Microbiome (£2,000, Microbiology Society, 2018) – Partnership project with Laura Glenndenning.

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