Dr Saima Nomaan Ed.D., FHEA, M.Eng, MA TESOL, BA (Hons), PGD TEFL, HarvardX HETC

• Ed.D. in TESOL (University of Exeter, UK)
• MA in TESOL Studies (Aston University, UK)
• MA English Literature & Language (Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan)
• PGD Applied Linguistics (TEFL), (Allama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan)
• PGD College Management, PIMS, Pakistan)
• BA (Hons), (University of The Punjab, Pakistan)
• FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK)
• HarvardX Higher Education Teaching Certificate (Harvard University, USA)
• Advanced TEFL Certificate, UK

Dr Saima Nomaan holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in TESOL from the University of Exeter, UK, alongside dual master’s degrees in TESOL Studies and English Language & Literature. She also holds postgraduate diplomas in TEFL and College Management, a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK. She is recognised as a Microsoft Faculty Fellow and holds professional certifications as a GenAI Educator and Inclusive Educator, reflecting her commitment to innovative, ethical, and accessible approaches to education.

Over the course of an international career spanning more than 16 years, Dr Nomaan has worked across higher education institutions in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Her previous appointments include roles at Allama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan, the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE, and Canadian University Dubai, where she contributed to curriculum innovation, academic leadership, faculty development, and technology-enhanced learning initiatives.

Dr Nomaan’s research and scholarship examine the intersections of English language education, educational technology, professional learning, and artificial intelligence in higher education. She has published in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals and regularly presents at international conferences. Her recent work explores generative AI, AI-assisted feedback, digital pedagogy, faculty adaptation to technological change, and the implications of emerging technologies for teaching, learning, and academic practice.

As a scholar-practitioner, Dr Nomaan is committed to bridging research and practice through evidence-informed approaches that enhance educational quality and learner success. Her work seeks to support educators and institutions in responding to evolving technological, pedagogical, and societal challenges, while contributing to broader discussions on innovation, inclusion, academic integrity, and the future of higher education.

Dr Nomaan’s teaching portfolio spans English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Applied Linguistics, Academic Literacy, Professional Communication, Research Methods, and Advanced English language courses. She has taught discipline-specific English modules across diverse fields, including Business, Architecture, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Communication Studies.

Her teaching focuses on developing students’ critical reading, academic writing, research, presentation, and communication skills, enabling them to succeed in higher education and professional contexts. In addition, she has designed and delivered courses in Life and Future Skills and Future Foresight, supporting learners in developing adaptability, innovation, and future-ready competencies. Her experience also includes preparing students for high-stakes examinations such as IELTS and EmSAT, as well as facilitating workshops that enhance academic confidence, presentation skills, and independent learning.

Current research

Dr Nomaan’s current research focuses on the intersection of educational technology, teacher professional development, and artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Her work explores how educators and institutions adapt to technological change, with particular attention to digital pedagogy, generative AI, AI-assisted feedback, faculty development, professional learning, and technology-enhanced teaching practices. She has published in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals and regularly presents her work at international conferences.

Doctoral research

Dr Nomaan recently completed her Doctor of Education (EdD) in TESOL at the University of Exeter, UK. Her doctoral research examined professional development for e-learning and educational technology among Higher Education English Language Teaching (ELT) faculty in Pakistan. A key contribution of the study was extending the widely used Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework by proposing the Technological, Pedagogical, Affective, and Content Knowledge (TPAACK) framework. This work highlighted the importance of affective dimensions — including motivation, confidence, resilience, anxiety, and professional identity — in shaping educators’ engagement with educational technology and professional learning. The study contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding digital transformation, faculty development, and technology integration in higher education.

Broader research interests

Dr Nomaan’s broader research interests include English language teaching (ELT), educational technology, digital pedagogy, professional learning, faculty development, academic integrity, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in education. She is also interested in educational policy, professional identity, equity and inclusion, and the ways in which language, power, culture, and globalisation influence teaching and learning in diverse educational contexts.

Beyond her teaching and research activities, Dr Nomaan has been actively involved in community engagement, mentoring, and professional service. She has contributed to a range of social welfare initiatives, including serving as Health and Nutrition Coordinator for the Pakistan Navy Women’s Association, where she supported programmes to improve the well-being of young children and families. While in the United Kingdom, she also volunteered as a language support provider for Romanian migrant workers, helping individuals overcome linguistic barriers and access essential services.

Dr Nomaan received institutional recognition from the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE, for her contribution to the award-winning Ramadan Initiative, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. In addition to her academic work, she regularly mentors educators and early-career researchers, providing guidance on research design, academic writing, educational technology, and the effective use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. She is particularly passionate about supporting educators in developing the digital, pedagogical, and research capabilities needed to thrive in rapidly evolving educational environments.

Dr Nomaan holds a range of professional certifications in educational technology, digital learning, and inclusive teaching, such as:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK
• Microsoft Faculty Fellow
• Certified GenAI Educator
• Certified Inclusive Educator
• Nearpod Certified Educator
• Kahoot! Certified Educator
• Wayground (formerly Quizizz) Certified Educator