Dr. Lovelin is an Academic, Researcher, and Chartered Professional with over two decades of experience in the Built Environment sector. She holds a PhD in Built Environment—Construction Project Management, an MSc in Construction Management, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Quantity Surveying.  Lovelin plays a central role in the development of the Built Environment subject area. Currently, she leads the MSc and BSc Quantity Surveying programmes and also the Construction and Built Environment Degree Apprenticeship Lead at Leeds Trinity University (LTU). She is also the University Lead for the Early Career Researchers Network. 

She has extensive experience in the development and implementation of strategic plans for adaptive teaching, flexible learning, apprenticeship and employer engagement within higher education. Prior to joining LTU, Dr. Lovelin contributed significantly to designing and implementing  frameworks for various traditional and apprenticeship degree programmes in the Built Environment. Her leadership and expertise have driven the evolution of these programmes, ensuring they remain relevant and aligned with industry needs.

Dr. Lovelin’s research interests focus on the process and people-related aspects of construction and the built environment, particularly in the areas of sustainable construction, offsite construction Built environment education, circular economy, digital construction, cost management, and construction project and business management. She has published widely in these fields and has successfully secured various in internal and external research funding grants with value up to £1.5 million . As an Academic Lead, she has also contributed to delivery of European Development Regional Fund (EDRF) projects, collaborating with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to foster synergies between academia, industry, and professional bodies.

In addition, Dr. Lovelin is a member of several professional bodies, including the Quantity Surveyors International, the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in the UK, and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in the UK. An active member of various professional bodies within the Built Environment sector, Dr. Lovelin is deeply committed to the development of competent professionals and has been involved in various committees dedicated to advancing industry standards and practices. She is an advocate for women in construction. 

With teaching experience dating back to 2006, Dr. Lovelin has been integral to the design and delivery of a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, and Construction Project Management. Her teaching spans conventional, apprenticeship, and transnational education models, and she has designed and delivered modules on construction procurement, project planning and management, professional practices and ethics, cost planning and design economics, building measurement, estimating and costing, digital technologies for construction, contract administration, research methods, and dissertation supervision. She has successfully supervised numerous MSc and undergraduate dissertations, and has guided PhD candidates to successful completion under her supervision.

Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Lovelin gained extensive industry experience working in various roles, including Contractor Quantity Surveyor, Client Quantity Surveyor, and Construction Manager, across a diverse range of residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Her industry experience has greatly enriched her academic contributions, ensuring that her teaching and research are firmly rooted in contemporary practice.

Dr. Lovelin continues to engage with industry partners and researchers, developing valuable networks at regional, national, and international levels to advance the discipline of Built Environment education and practice.

Research Interests

Dr. Lovelin is committed to advancing research that addresses the challenges of the construction industry, fostering innovation and sustainability in the Built Environment. She invites PhD students and research collaborations in the following areas of interest:

1. Construction Project and Business Management
   Focuses on the strategic, operational, and organisational aspects of managing construction projects and businesses, integrating project management with business strategies to enhance performance, profitability, and sustainability.

2. Digital Construction
   Investigates the integration of technologies such as BIM, AI, and IoT to improve construction processes, project management, and decision-making, with an emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.

3. Offsite Construction and Modular Systems
   Explores modular and prefabricated construction methods to enhance efficiency and sustainability in building projects, and especially for affordable housing.

4. Sustainable Construction and Circular Economy
   Examines sustainable construction practices and the application of circular economy principles to reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and enhance project sustainability.

5. Cost and Carbon Management
   focus on exploring  financial and environmental performance management to optimize costs and reduce carbon footprints across the lifecycle of construction projects, aligning economic and sustainability goals.

6. Construction Education and Workforce Development
   Addresses the evolving needs of construction education and workforce development, focusing on apprenticeships, digital skills, sustainable practices, and gender/inclusivity within the industry.