Katie Parsons is a transdisciplinary Research Fellow in Geography and Environment, specialising in climate and environmental education and adaptation with children, young people, and intergenerational communities. Entering academia mid-career, Katie brings over 30 years of practical experience working with children, youth, and families across the social care, youth work, and education sectors. She draws on her extensive training in play, creative, and outdoor therapies to support inclusive, person-centred approaches to environmental research and action.

As a pracademic, Katie pioneers the use of Creative Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Action-Based Storytelling methodologies. Her work is grounded in community-led inquiry and transformation, placing people at the heart of her research to ensure that complex societal challenges, such as climate change and environmental injustice, are understood and addressed through locally meaningful and participant-driven actions.

Katie’s research is both national and international in scope, focusing on place-based and relational approaches to climate adaptation, environmental education, and preparedness. Her work explores how creative, intergenerational, and participatory methods can empower communities, especially children and young people, to become active agents of change in the face of environmental challenges.