Dr Samantha Leonard

Growing up in South Africa I saw first-hand that change is always possible. While studying my BSc and Masters in Geography, my eyes were opened to injustice towards local communities and the natural environment, and I knew that this was where I wanted to work for change. As a University Lecturer, I believe my role is to inspire students to think differently, to question what they have always accepted, and hopefully, to decide to live in such a way that they might make a difference to the world around them. My lecturing experience includes Development Theory, Urban and Rural Development, Local Economic Development, Social and Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Human Settlements.

In addition, my research interests include alternative economics, people-centred development and locally sustainable livelihoods.

In 2012 I completed my PhD in Education for Sustainable Development, following which I joined the Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela University, as a lecturer, researcher, supervisor and the Academic Coordinator for the BA Honours Programme in Development Studies. I joined Massey University in July 2019 where I lecture in Development Studies and co-ordinate the Masters in Sustainable Development Goals. I am extremely excited about this new Masters Programme, as I believe these goals are both essential and achievable and I feel privileged to be part of the process of equipping a new generation of leaders to bring about positive change for local communities and their natural environments.