Personal statement

Director of International Programme | Teaching Fellow in Pharmacology and Biochemistry

I am Director of the International BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Pharmacology programme at the University of Strathclyde, delivered in collaboration with China Pharmaceutical University (CPU).  

Appointed to this role in 2022, I provide academic leadership and coordination across all aspects of the programme, including curriculum development, quality assurance, student progression, and collaboration with colleagues at both institutions. The programme admits students who complete Years 1 to 3 at CPU and the final Honours year at Strathclyde. I have contributed to teaching delivery in China since 2018. 

Alongside this role, I am a Teaching Fellow in Pharmacology and Biochemistry within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS).  

Teaching and Scholarship Interests

My teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across SIPBS, including the Biomedical Science and Pharmacy degrees, as well as the international joint programme with CPU. I coordinate multiple modules. 

My scholarly interests focus on inclusive educational practices, digital equity, ethical curriculum innovation, and public health education. I lead several pedagogical research projects aimed at advancing equality and access in biomedical education. These include investigations into inclusive assessment design; the integration of ethical in vivo alternatives such as the CAM model; a longitudinal study on student engagement with generative AI tools in learning; and the co-creation of a buddy system that supports international student transition, promotes academic confidence, and fosters peer-to-peer support.

I also lead research in public health education and cancer prevention, with a particular emphasis on addressing health inequalities through awareness and education. I lead collaborative projects investigating awareness of HPV-associated cancers, HPV vaccination, and the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for oral cancer. These projects are delivered in partnership with Public Health Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, and academic colleagues, and are designed to inform inclusive public health messaging and targeted prevention strategies. Much of my research is carried out in collaboration with Honours and postgraduate students, ensuring strong integration of teaching, research, and scholarship, and providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world, impact-driven research.

In addition, I contribute to widening participation through initiatives such as the long-running PCR for Schools programme, which introduces secondary school pupils to molecular biology through hands-on workshops and promotes equitable access to laboratory-based science education.

This collective body of work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).