About me
I'm a Senior Lecturer in the Biological Sciences department at the University of Bristol. My work is driven by two core passions: a fascination with plant-pollinator interactions and a commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
My research focus is on unravelling the complexities of floral signals and how environmental changes, like variation in wind and rain, impact plant-pollinator dynamics. My work in EDI is fuelled by a fundamental belief in equal opportunities for all. I strive to use my privilege to help others and am committed to enhancing the working and learning experiences for everyone at the university.
If you are interested by the intersection of science, education, and social justice, or if you're interested in collaborating or discussing ideas, I would love to hear from you. Let's work together to make a difference in both academia and the wider community!
I have a PhD (2017) in Biological Sciences from the University of Bristol (UoB) and a first class BSc(Hons) (2010) in Animal Biology from the University of Gloucestershire.
I started my lectureship at the University of Bristol in June 2018, and hold a number of senior admin roles, such as Academic Lead for Inclusive and Accessible Education and School Disability Coordinator.
I am currently the Life Sciences Faculty EDI Champion, I direct the faculty's EDI initiatives and development of the EDI strategy for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
Teaching
I have a diverse teaching portfolio. I focus on invertebrate biology, coding in R, and integrating contemporary issues such as resilience and eco-anxiety into the curriculum. A unique aspect of my teaching is the integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles with biological sciences, reflecting my commitment to inclusive education.
As the school lead for inclusive and accessible education, I guide and support my colleagues in enhancing our curriculum. My role involves producing guidance and aiding staff in creating an educational environment that is welcoming and accessible to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.
My ultimate goal is to provide an educational experience that is both academically rigorous and inclusively designed, preparing students for success in the ever-evolving field of Biological Sciences.
A recent highlight in my career is co-developing the "Resilient Communicators" unit for the MSc in Science Communication, focusing on resilience, eco-anxiety, and self-reflection. This unit is designed to enrich our educational offerings and directly engage with current global challenges.
My dedication to teaching excellence has been recognised through a fellowship to the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), an endorsement of my professional practice in higher education, alongside multiple nominations for the University of Bristol's Inspiring and Innovative Teaching Award.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment. As the Faculty EDI Champion for Life Sciences at the University of Bristol, my role is pivotal in promoting an inclusive academic culture. I lead the faculty's EDI strategy development and initiatives, focusing on building a diverse and equitable environment.
As the School Disability Coordinator, I advocate for disabled students, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive at university. This role is integral to my commitment to making education universally accessible.
By integrating EDI principles into undergraduate and postgraduate education, I aim to nurture an environment where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated, and every individual is given the chance to succeed.
Decolonising Biological Sciences
I take an active role in decolonising the biological sciences curriculum. My efforts include supervising student-led projects since 2021, focusing on curriculum audits and resource development. Alongside Celine Petitjean and Maria Pullman, I'm working on a publication that captures staff and student views on decolonisation, guiding our strategic approach.
As part of the Decolonising and Diversifying Life Sciences group, I collaborate with colleagues across five schools, aiming to enrich our curriculum with a variety of cultural insights. I'm also co-developing 'Contextualising the Biosciences' with Oxford University Press and Dr. Filipe Franca, a resource exploring inequalities in the biosciences. Additionally, I co-designed a workshop with Lara Lalemi on Decolonising Biological Sciences Research, highlighting the importance of rethinking our educational and research methodologies.
Research
I'm a behavioural ecologist, interested in animal behaviour and plant pollinator interactions, using lab and field techniques or computer modelling. Below are some topics I'm currently working around:
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Complex floral displays and the effects these display components have on foraging pollinators
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The effect of wind and rain on plant-pollinator interactions
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Evolutionary underpinnings of floral constancy
My currently pedagogical research projects related to:
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Inclusive teaching and assessment
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Decolonising Biological Sciences
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Empowering neurodivergent students
Publications
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