Taryn Tavener-Smith

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2019, I spent the last 10 years of my career working abroad in various Higher Education Institutions as an academic in English Language and Literature. During this time, I had the opportunity to lead on the establishment of my institution’s Bachelor of Arts programme while serving as programme and module lead across our Literature offerings. Since then, I have spent time contributing to the development of several qualifications in terms of teaching, learning, and assessment, in varying capacities.

One of my career highlights includes when I received an Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning after obtaining the highest pass and throughput rates on the modules I taught, nationally.

I studied a BA (Honours) English Literature and Psychology, B.Psych (Practical Psychometry), and Master’s degree in English Literature at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa before completing my Diploma in Education and Training in the UK. I also hold a Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy. Currently, I am reading towards my PhD in English Literature and Creative Writing with the University of Stirling. My project involves exploring the constructs of liminal identities through the medium of life writing.

My specialist research areas are in the fields of Language Education, life writing, and contemporary British Gothic fiction.

My role as Lecturer (English) allows me the opportunity to support students’ development of their critical academic writing and research skills to ensure success on their programme of study.

Here you can view my publication, conference presentation and my research repository.

• Lecturer