I have been at Reading since 1987; I started out as a Lab Technician and in the early '90s I got the opportunity to become a glassblower.
I'm the only glassblower on campus. I design, make, modify and repair scientific laboratory glassware for both teaching and research for the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy and other University departments, as well as outside companies.
Having graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy, I was and always have been passionate about educating and teaching others. Having qualified I was placed into a large flagship store. The team needed a strong leader, someone whom they could confide in, support them and steer them towards the desired outcomes. I took on this role and set about achieving the best pharmacy team, placed at the heart of a thriving community, with patient-centred care as its purpose.
It is this same level of energy and excitement that I brought into the classroom when I joined the University of Reading as a Pharmacist Teacher Practitioner in October 2013. In my early months I began leading on pharmacy practice lectures, workshops and seminars; utilising my knowledge, skills and experience from my role as a practising pharmacist. This added dimension meant that the students were forever in touch with the expectations on them as learners as well as future healthcare professionals.
I joined the University in 1989 as a Lecturer, then became a Senior Lecturer in 1998, until I was accorded a Personal Chair in 2005. I specialise in food engineering, specifically applying my training in chemical engineering to food products and manufacture.
Having been at Reading for over three decades, I've seen a lot of change - but one thing that hasn't altered is the collegiate environment. The University is very supportive, and it's always been very collegiate - particularly in my Department - and I've really enjoyed that.
I am an Associate Professor for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at the Global Academy. My role primarily is to teach and support international students at the University whose first language is not English both before and during their degrees.
I am passionate about language and education and have never regretted this choice of career which led me to working in six different countries before finally returning to my own. I’ve taught on a range of exciting projects across state and commercial sectors, such as the British Council developed Peacekeeping English Project. These experiences and skills have helped me to connect with the diverse international student body at Reading. Students who would otherwise feel less confident in seminars, light up when you share first-hand insights of their culture or country. What’s more, my colleagues in the Global Academy reflect the diversity of our School with a fusion of backgrounds, interests, ambitions, languages, and qualifications.
