Biography
Dr Hamer's research explores the barriers young people face when it comes to subject choice, especially in STEM subjects. She has worked on numerous projects looking at diversity and inclusion in secondary physics education. Having previously completed her PhD in palaeoclimatology, Dr Hamer has spent over 10 years as a secondary science teacher and teacher trainer. Dr Hamer is part of the SCARI computing project (Subject choice, attainment and representation in computing) at King's and also works within the education team at the Institute of Physics.
The SCARI computing project aims to explore the factors that explain the performance and participation of girls in secondary school level computing with a particular focus on computer science exams. The study will use the National Pupil Dataset and School Workforce Census, complemented with qualitative data collected from school managers, students and school documentation. The project is funded by the Nuffield Foundation. Dr Hamer is also interested in secondary physics education, the influence of parents and carers on subject choice and teacher recruitment and retention.
Dr Hamer would be happy to supervise PhD students around the subject of diversity and inclusion in STEM education.
Research
Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CRESTEM)
Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CRESTEM)
Subject choice, attainment and representation in Computing (SCARI computing)
This project aims to explore the predictors of computing uptake and performance in English schools, by using a range of case studies and national datasets.
Project status: Starting
News
England's computing curriculum could be 'missing the mark' to engage girls
A reform of England’s national computing curriculum could encourage more young people – especially girls – to participate in the subject and aspire to a...
Research
Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CRESTEM)
Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (CRESTEM)
Subject choice, attainment and representation in Computing (SCARI computing)
This project aims to explore the predictors of computing uptake and performance in English schools, by using a range of case studies and national datasets.
Project status: Starting
News
England's computing curriculum could be 'missing the mark' to engage girls
A reform of England’s national computing curriculum could encourage more young people – especially girls – to participate in the subject and aspire to a...