Q&A with Dr Susana Castro-Kemp

Dr Susana Castro-Kemp is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Special Needs at the Centre for Inclusive Education in the Department of Psychology and Human Development.

What attracted you to take up your position at IOE? 

The Centre for Inclusive Education (CIE) is recognised world-wide for its excellence in knowledge exchange and research in Inclusion and Special Needs.

The Department of Psychology and Human Development has some of the best researchers in the field of Educational and Child Psychology in the world and IOE has been ranked number 1 in the world in Education for several consecutive years.

Colleagues are great, what better place?

How long have you been at IOE?

I have been at IOE since January 2022. Previously, I was a Reader in Education at the University of Roehampton, where I was based for 8 years.

What do you most enjoy about your position and why?

The two main benefits of my position are to be able to engage in work with some of the best researchers in the field, and to be able to teach and learn from students from a variety of backgrounds in a very diverse and dynamic city.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of? 

I am mostly proud of the real-life impact that my research has had so far.

It’s great to engage with schools, educators, parents and early years settings and to see so many good examples of practice being changed as a result of my work with them. Extremely rewarding.

What is the focus of your research and what benefits do you hope your discoveries and/or insights will bring?

My research focuses on the functioning abilities and disabilities of young children and the impact these have on their everyday life participation.

I am committed to do research that moves away from the idea of diagnoses and labels, and proposes a focus on engagement and civic participation as the outcome of any educational intervention.

I also do research on inclusion and early intervention in low- and middle-income countries, mental health in schools and the quality of early childhood education. 

What's the most important thing you've learned from your students about the subjects you teach?

My students are from a very wide range of backgrounds, and I love that.

In every session, I have the opportunity to learn a unique point of view, bringing perspective to the content of our modules.

There isn’t one very important thing I’ve learned from them; I learn all the time, as we engage in discussions and work together. 

Do you think being in London and at UCL benefits your work and why?

Definitely. UCL IOE has fantastic resources that are very supportive of both my teaching and my research. From a varied and accessible library to a very wide range of networks within Education, Health, Social Care and Policy, it is a huge privilege to based here, and certainly very helpful.

It is a platform to expand my work and continuing learning from the best.

What other subject outside of your area of specialism interests you?

Drawing and literature (fiction).

What might it surprise people to know about you?

I am a grunge fan, but this may not be very surprising. 

Last updated 18 May 2023.

A black and white photo of Dr Susana Castro-Kemp against a plain background. Image permission: Susana Castro-Kemp.

View Dr Susana Castro-Kemp's research profile (IRIS)

Courses and teaching