Name:  Lina Akil 

Role within SIPBS:  Teaching Fellow  

 

What inspired you to pursue this role initially? 

I am particularly interested in analytical chemistry and enjoy working with chromatography. I enjoy being in the lab and teaching others practical laboratory skills. I developed this interest during my PhD, when I demonstrated for undergraduate students. 

My role initially involved teaching practical labs for the MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis, and it later expanded to include teaching on the MPharm programme and other MSc courses. 

   

Can you walk me through your career journey so far? 

During the writing-up period of my PhD in 2017, I began working as a part-time Teaching Assistant on the MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis, supporting laboratory sessions. Following the completion of my PhD, my role expanded to include delivering lectures and workshops. 

As my teaching and management responsibilities grew, I was promoted to Teaching Associate and, more recently in 2025, to Teaching Fellow. 

 

What does a typical day or week look like for you? 

My weekly schedule varies depending on the semester and my teaching allocation. On some days, I deliver lectures in the morning followed by workshops in the afternoon, while on others I lead full-day laboratory practical sessions with MSc or undergraduate students. 

I also support PhD students with running samples and using analytical techniques. In addition to teaching, my responsibilities include marking assessments and meeting with students as part of our academic support provision. 

I am also a member of several groups and committees, attending regular meetings and contributing to departmental activities. 

 

Which tasks do you enjoy most—and which do you find most challenging? 

I particularly enjoy practical laboratory teaching, as it provides a supportive and engaging environment in which students can develop their skills and confidence. It is especially rewarding to observe their progression and growth over the course of their studies. 

One of the main challenges of my role is managing and prioritising multiple responsibilities. At times, unforeseen equipment issues in the laboratory can arise, which may disrupt planned activities and require prompt problem-solving and adaptability to minimise delays. 

 

What advice would you give someone starting out in your role? 

My advice is to stay organised, as your day-to-day tasks including lectures, workshops, and laboratory sessions, can vary from day to day. Planning your week in advance is essential, and meeting marking deadlines is important, as delays can affect both students and colleagues. Make an effort to engage with students to build a supportive and approachable environment. Encouraging questions and fostering confidence helps students feel comfortable and reduces anxiety, enhancing their learning experience.