Jennifer Randall is a critical medical anthropologist with a career spanning a range of higher education institutions in the UK, USA and China. Anthropology, harm reduction and critical pedagogy underpin how and why she teaches. She employs these principles in order to engage in critical, empathetic and reflective dialogue. She believes learning is not the transmission of information, but the transformation of identities.
Students enter her classroom with an embodied wisdom of the world. The role of the teacher is to leverage that experience in the service of social justice and the transformation of oppressive systems. Her teaching has inspired thousands of students. Her educational practice invites students to reflect on why they live the life they lead, connect to new ideas, people, and disciplines, acknowledge the power they have to engage in change, and recognise that empathetic dialogue is key to solving the social issues we now face.
Her pedagogical practice has inspired students to engage in advocacy and activism. Most recently this is evidenced through a public health engagement project: SEEDS Sowing Empowering and Engaging Discussions on Substances. Students and alumni from across the globe launched 50 videos in 50 days (May 9 - June 26th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Misuse of Drugs Act). The aim was to “seed” conversations through the students’ personal and professional networks on important public health topics. SEEDS aims to help others access information and insights that advance our conversations about drug policy and harm reduction specifically, and health policy, social and racial justice broadly.
Jennifer loves teaching. Entering into classrooms to meet with others, not just to learn something new but to become something different, is a powerful privilege. She aims to elevate the importance of the teaching profession and share important reflections on a lifetime of learning and changing. Her most recent research and writing explores the importance of a critical pedagogy approach within the teaching of global health and its application to empowering education and health promotion. She loves plants, glitter (biodegradable), and cooking for many. She is a two-time Ironman triathlete and mother of two football-loving boys.