I am a Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences and Course Leader for the extended degree programmes in medical science, pharmaceutical science and applied nutritional science at Anglia Ruskin University. I’m also an External Examiner for the IBMS and maintain HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.
My first task when I arrive is… to make sure that my paperwork for the day is ready and emails have been checked.
On busy days, I may not manage to return to my desk during the day, so being organised and prepared is important.
One of the biggest challenges I face is… knowing when to turn down new and exciting opportunities so that I remain focused on what experiences will be most beneficial to achieving excellence in my personal career development.
My favourite thing about my job is… being able to embed my pedagogic research into practice while I am completing a Professional Doctorate in student engagement.
The thing that makes my job unique is… the range of exciting opportunities. I travel regularly to Botswana where I run a volunteering project for staff, students and alumni, and have been involved in course validation events in India and Malaysia.
My route into the role involved… ten years working as a biomedical scientist. Following a year working as a molecular product specialist, I was seconded to Anglia Ruskin University to develop the Biomedical Science provision.
My typical lunch is… normally salad and fruit, and it is usually eaten too early, unless I am teaching in the lab all morning.
My job fits into the wider healthcare context… through contributing knowledge to students from a variety of areas in healthcare, such as the medical sciences and physician associates.
If I get a few spare minutes then I… take an important break to maximise my productivity. Usually I will run, walk, swim or plan my evening schooling session for my horse.
I feel like I’ve had a good day when… I leave work with a product, however small, that was not planned. Also, receiving a thank you from a student or colleague makes me feel that I have personally made a difference.
Nicky will be speaking about learning styles at the IBMS Congress.