Kathryn Cairnie-Lyall

As a placement tutor my role is about connecting industry with academic learning.  I meet with industry professionals to create quality placement opportunities for students, enabling them to develop key employability skills.

My background is in Home Economics and teaching.  I worked as a Home Economist in industry, media and community settings before taking up teaching positions in food studies at Dundee College and Abertay University.

I hold a Diploma in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management and Home Economics as well as an MA in Food and Welfare studies from Dundee University.

As Module Leader Kathryn’s role is to lead, organise, develop and manage all aspects of the Professional Practice and Placement modules to undergraduate students at level 3 of all FCS degree programmes.

• Preparing students for work placement, networking, negotiating and securing work placement opportunities throughout the UK, also monitoring and assessing during and after the placement period
• Development of placement resources
• Delivering subject specific lectures, programme development
• Academic Tutor
• Stage 3 Year Tutor
•  Creating and delivering school taster days/CPD events to Home Economics teachers

Kathryn is involved in research related to placements for students as the database for placement providers is continually expanded and updated.

Kathryn meets regularly with industry professionals and employers through placement networking and CPD events in Abertay University.These meetings act as a link between academia and industry and facilitate mutual communication and support.  These positive relations mean students can take advantage of quality placement opportunities, and ensures the development of employability skills – a key part of their overall university experience