Elaine Clafferty

Dr Elaine Clafferty is a chartered electronic and electrical engineer with a doctorate in engineering education. She is currently a senior lecturer and year tutor at Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in electronic and electrical engineering, software development, learner transition, widening access to education and the student experience.

Elaine was born in Edinburgh and brought up on the south side of Glasgow, she continues to live in south east Glasgow. She attended Glasgow University and, after graduating, worked in the electronics industry. After a 10 year career break during which she raised her four sons Elaine returned to education on a part time basis to update her skills before working in a series of part time and temporary roles leading to a full time post as a lecturer in analogue electronics at Glasgow Caledonian University. Elaine has held a number of educational leadership roles including Year Tutor, Student Success Centre Director, Head of Learning and Teaching, and Associate Dean of Learning, Teaching and Quality in the university’s technical schools. Elaine voluntarily works for her professional body, the Institution of Electrical Engineering and Technology (IET) participating in and chairing their engineering degree accreditation panels across the UK and beyond.

Elaine’s aim is to work with other Board members and the College’s Senior Management Team to contribute to ongoing improvement in the learner journey at Glasgow Kelvin College. This will lead to more people successfully completing qualifications that open the door to the good jobs and life chances that they deserve. Elaine brings a passion for the best experience for every student, her own track record in this area, and knowledge of what is happening in the wider education sector.

Elaine is very interested in diet and healthy eating and grows her own fruit and vegetables in her garden. She also buys lots of kitchen gadgets! Elaine’s four sons were educated in the Gaelic Units of Sir John Maxwell Primary and Hillpark Secondary schools.