Dr Edward Killan

Profile

I started my audiological career having completed an MSc in Audiology at the University of Southampton in 1998 and completing the Certificate of Audiological Competence (for which I was awarded the Richard May Prize for best trainee) in 1999. I then worked as a clinical scientist (HCPC registered) in various NHS audiology departments in the north of England prior to joining the University of Leeds in 2004. I obtained my PhD in 2013 from the University of Leeds.  I am currently an Associate Professor in Audiology and Head of the Specialist Science Education Department (SSED) within LICAMM.

External to the University I have fulfilled a number of national roles, including Chair of the British Society of Audiology (BSA) and Chair of the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) Education and Training Accreditation Committee. I have been recognised as a Principal Fellow of the BSA – this is the highest level of fellowship awarded by the BSA and recognises sustained and significant contributions to the discipline of audiology.

Responsibilities

• Head of Department - Specialist Science Education Department (SSED)

Research interests

Most recently, my audiological research has focused on hearing, speech and language outcomes in children who use cochlear implants. Through collaboration with Yorkshire Auditory Implant Service, I have conducted clinical studies investigating factors affecting the development of sound-source localisation, spatial release from masking and early language, and will be working with colleagues from the School of Education on Comm4CHILD, an EU funded (€4.1m) Innovative Training Network exploring approaches to optimising the potential of children with hearing impairment.  Prior to this, my PhD focused on an area of cochlear physiology - suppression of tone burst-evoked otoacoustic emissions.

More recently, as Head of SSED I am supporting staff to develop activities in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.  Examples of ongoing projects include evaluation of simulation technologies that enhance the experience of undergarduate health science students.

Qualifications

• PhD Simultaneous suppression of tone-burst evoked otoacoustic emissions
• MSc Audiology
• BA (Hons) Human Communication and Communication Disorders

Professional memberships

• British Society of Audiology (BSA)
• Principal Fellow of BSA

Student education

I am an enthusiastic teacher and lead and deliver a range of subjects to audiologists, as well as other professional disciplines (e.g. cardiac physiologists, radiographers, teachers of the deaf). Within my teaching practice I use a range of innovative approaches, and utilise cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the student learning experience (e.g. SECTRA virtual anatomy).  I am committed to research-led education, and my teaching is consistently informed by my own research.

I have fulfilled a range of student education roles within the University, including module leader, admissions tutor, programme leader and student education lead.  I am also a past Audiological Science and Education Group Lead and Deputy Head of the Specialist Science Education Department.  External to the University I have been external examiner for undergraduate and post-graduate programmes.

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
• Specialist Science Education