Dr Anna Saif has worked in higher education for over 20 years teaching and administrating undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Surrey, University of Portsmouth and Birzeit University in occupied Palestinian territory.
Her doctoral thesis (Goldsmiths College, University of London 2006) explores Palestine and the Palestinians in early photography and film. Her research interests centre around visual and news discourses relating to the Arab world with a particular focus on Palestine.
Like many academics, Anna has had many professional identities. As International Liaison Officer at Birzeit University, Anna worked with international aid agencies in research roles and implemented training for media practitioners. Academic development and quality enhancement have also been an important aspect of her career in higher education. She has led in several validation processes at undergraduate and postgraduate level and in QAA reviews. She has devised and implemented quality assurance processes in her academic administrative roles in the UK and abroad. Anna has also worked in media consultancy roles, developing new communication platforms and overseeing strategic planning to achieve key institutional objectives.
Supporting teaching and learning stems from a keen personal interest in the power of higher education to transform lives and make a difference to students, peers, institutions and stakeholders alike and ultimately to communities and society at large.
