After 6 years, I submitted my thesis and had the privilege of discussing my work with Professor Nicola Yuill (Uni of Sussex) and Dr Janet Vousden (Nottingham Trent Uni) in a 2 and half hour viva. They suggested some minor corrections, which were completed and accepted in June 2025. I am now officially Dr Dixon!

I have loved every minute of my studies. Working fulltime and studying at this level is not easy, but I have learnt so much. For anyone who is considering this route – do it!

It is wonderful to be working as a research assistant for my wonderful supervisor, and my ghost supervisors (Profs Jane Oakhill and Kate Cain). I am looking forward to a busy conference season, with presentations at LICIE 2025 and BERA 2025.

My thesis is published here: Teachers as the intervention: can teachers’ professional knowledge, beliefs and attitudes be influenced to enhance their effective teaching of reading comprehension?