Miki Lau
Public Engagement & Knowledge Exchange
Connecting research, education and communities through meaningful engagement.
I believe educational research should extend beyond universities and contribute meaningfully to society. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with schools, charities, community organisations, professional bodies and public institutions to translate research into practice, strengthen digital inclusion and support learners across the educational lifespan. My public engagement activities reflect my commitment to Human-Centred Learning Experience Design by connecting research, education and communities through practical action.
Current Engagement
AI Literacy & Public Education
Designer & Presenter @Various Organisations
2024-Present
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Delivered one-to-one AI learning sessions at ACE IT Scotland.
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Conducted public seminars on AI and society at ACE IT Scotland.
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Co-authored an AI handbook for the Youth Work Sector with YouthLink Scotland.
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Co-developed an AI e-handbook for Hong Kong Higher Education practitioners with Hong Kong Baptist University.
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Presented at community seminars organised by various organisations in the UK and Hong Kong.
Digital Inclusion & Lifelong Learning
Digital Skills Coach @ACE IT Scotland
2024-Present
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Delivered digital skills coaching for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
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Designed public seminars on AI literacy, online safety, and digital wellbeing.
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Developed accessible learning materials, catering to diverse learning needs.
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Promoted digital inclusion and lifelong learning within local communities.
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Awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in 2025.
Youth Innovation & STEAM Education
STEAM Mentor @Heart of Midlothian FC Innovation Centre
2025-Present
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Mentored primary and secondary school students in STEAM activities.
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Introduced coding, game design and creative technologies.
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Led young people to experience the entire design process by introducing them to Design Thinking, Design Research, and Design Process.
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Invited as a Judge in a global innovation competition, the Brilliant Blue Competition (Scotland).
Youth Voice & Community Empowerment
Advocacy Project Adviser @Sudan Women Action Group
2026-Present
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Provided constructive feedback to youth-led advocacy projects.
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Supported Sudanese diaspora engagement and citizenship development.
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Strengthened youth participation in public policy discussions.
Longitudinal Digital Ethnography
Independant Researcher
2017-Present
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Conduct long-term participant observation within online and offline fan communities as an ethnographic research methodology.
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Investigate fan organisation, collective identity, community governance and participatory practices.
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Examine the adoption of emerging technologies, including social media, virtual idols and Generative AI, within fan communities.
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Translate insights into research, teaching and curriculum innovation in Digital Education, media studies and Human-Centred Learning Experience Design.
Previous Engagement
Teacher Professional Development
Blended Learning Judge @Hong Kong Baptist University
2024-2025
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Contributed to the Blended Learning Innovation Support Scheme (BLISS) project to promote blended learning and multimedia instructional design.
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Judged territory-wide blended learning competitions.
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Promoted innovative instructional design for Science and STEAM Education.
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Shared best practices in Digital Education during consultation sessions.
Online Education Strategies & Accessible Instructional Design CPD
Senior Research Assistant @Hong Kong Baptist University
2021-2024
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Designed and delivered blended teacher training on Online Education.
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Organised in-person teacher professional development sessions for educators.
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Developed training materials to promote Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
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Introduced Inclusive Education concepts and accessibility in instructional design.
Community Studies & Society Rebuild
Oral History Researcher @Tohoku University
2016-2019
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Conducted oral history interviews and focus groups with disaster survivors, documenting lived experiences and community recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
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Applied qualitative and ethnographic research methods to investigate resilience, memory and community rebuilding in post-disaster contexts.
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Collaborated wtih interdisciplinary researchers to preserve community narratives and contribute to socially engaged research and knowledge exchange.
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Stengthened my commitment to ethical, human-centred research by recognising the importance of listening to and learning from people's lived experiences.
Creative Industry & Film Consultancy
Co-Producer & Consultant @Film "Everyphone Everywhere"
2022-2023
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Advised on the integration of digital culture and participatory media concepts within film production and storytelling.
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Supported creative development by providing research-informed perspectives on contemporary digital society and audience engagement.
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Contributed to interdisciplinary collaboration between academic research and the creative industries.
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Demonstrated how research in digital culture can inform creative practice and cultural production.
Participatory Culture Consultancy
Creative Talent Mentor @Various companies
2015-2023
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Mentored emerging cosplay performers in character interpretation, stage performance and audience engagement.
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Applied expertise in fan studies, participatory culture and media studies to support creative identity development and online persona management.
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Guided creators in building authentic and responsible digital identities while engaging with online communities and social media platforms.
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Transformed performances and fan practices into virtual landscapes.
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Bridged academic research with creative practice, demonstrating how cultural research can inform performance, community participation and digital creativity.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Mentor (Career Guidance) @Pope Paul VI College
2021-2023
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Mentored secondary school students interested in science, education and design, providing guidance on university study and career development.
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Shared insights into higher education, interdisciplinary learning and emerging career opportunities through career talks and mentoring activities.
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Encouraged students to reflect on their interests, strengths and aspirations while supporting informed educational and career choices.
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Contributed to alumni engagement by inspiring the next generation of learners and future professionals.