Spotlight on Dr Cosette Crisan

What does your role involve?

I am a mathematics educator contributing to the education of the current and future maths teaching force in schools. I am currently leading the Mathematics Education MA programme, a cutting-edge educational research programme with a focus on improving learning of maths at all levels of education, building teacher capacity, and teaching with technology.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I joined UCL Institute of Education in 2010 as a lecturer in Mathematics Education, after a 10-year career as lecturer in Pure Maths and a six-year career as a teacher in secondary schools in London. 

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Running into former PGCE student-teachers when I visit maths departments in secondary shools across London, who are now accomplished teachers keen to share their passion for, and the achievements of, their teaching careers.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

Working with my colleague Eirini Geraniou we submitted an application for support from the Higher Education Innovation Fund, managed and distributed by UCL Innovation & Enterprise, which was successful in securing a grant to create and develop a short online course aimed at developing the mentoring capacity in school mathematics departments. While recognising the wealth of knowledge of current practicing and experienced mathematics teachers, the course will be supporting the development of these teachers as mentors through raising their awareness of current, recent and relevant research about the most effective ways of teaching mathematics. We’ve been working with UCL Innovation & Enterprise’s short course support team who have been fantastic in guiding and advising us through what felt like an overwhelming process at times. We're looking forward to launching the course on the FutureLearn platform. 

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Faith by George Michael, Goodnight Moon (awww – such nice memories!) and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

Why didn't sin and tan go to the party? Just cos…

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

My family and friends, and Justine Roberts – Founder of Mumsnet.

What advice would you give your younger self?

All will be fine.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

At the age of 13 I was selected for the Junior Women’s National Volleyball Team, but a sports injury prevented me from joining the team. Instead I spent my recovery time reading about and doing mathematics… and falling in love with the subject for life.

What is your favourite place?

Dinning in Cartier Latin, Paris