Sophie's research interests are around the Mentoring of Student Teachers, Simulated Learning, Inter-Professional Learning and other areas associated with Social Justice, such as Widening Participation.

Sophie's main role, within the department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing at the University of Northumbria, is to lead the area of Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Within this role she works with the ITE team and liaises closely with programme leaders and the Head of Subject in the strategic planning for the area. Her pedagogy is rooted in a belief that education has the ability to empower (Freire, 1970) and that inclusive practice is fundamental to effective teaching and learning. This philosophy is reflected by her having won the Student Led Teaching Award for Northumbria’s ‘Best lecturer’ with the certifcate noting that 'she always has a positive attitude', 'creates a comfortable talking environment' and 'listens to all students'. In addition, Sophie is a Pro:NE mentor, working to widen access and participation for racially minoritised ethnic students and staff in postgraduate research.

Before joining Northumbria University as an academic she was a teacher, and leader, in schools within the Gateshead and North Tyneside Local Authorities.