Dr Liz Cooper

Biography

Areas of expertise

My areas of expertise are sustainability in organisations (environmental and social) and qualitative analysis of interactions using discursive psychology. I have specific knowledge of product and supply chain sustainability, in product development/design and public procurement.

Research interests

I am particularly interested in studying conversations in business and organisation settings in which sustainability factors are discussed, for example in workplace meetings. I am interested in understanding micro discursive aspects of decision-making and social influence related to sustainability strategy.

Research methods expertise

I have experience of collecting and analysing recordings of naturally occurring discussions and conducting and analysing semi-structured interviews. I developed experience in discursive psychology to analyse talk-in-interaction during my PhD. I have also conducted thematic analysis when collaborating on other research projects.

Disciplinary intersections

My research spans several disciplines. I currently draw on discursive social psychology to understand sustainable business phenomena, including design and engineering decision-making, and sustainability management.

Qualifications

• PhD Psychology, University of Edinburgh (2022)
• MSc Business and Community, University of Bath (2012)

Background

Prior to moving into academia, I worked in sustainability management for over ten years. I was Research and Policy Manager in the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, working on socially responsible supply chains and procurement, responsible investment, circular economy, and the university as a Living Lab. I worked for international and local non-governmental organisations in Senegal and India, on sustainability certifications and value chain development. I completed a PhD in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in 2022 and then gained ESRC funding for a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Heriot-Watt, before becoming an Assistant Professor.