Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I grew up in London and all of my career has been based in healthcare or university life in the city. I initially trained as a children’s nurse and then worked in children’s intensive care at different NHS organisations across London. I joined King’s as a lecturer in children’s nursing in 1999 and held various roles in the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care such as Head of Department and Associate Dean for Assessment and Teaching. I then decided to pursue my interest in education by undertaking a Doctor of Education at The Institute of Education, which is based at UCL. This allowed me to develop my interest in assessment and feedback, particularly in how students experience these processes, and to build a research profile in this area. I then moved into a leadership role at Kingston University as Deputy Head of their School of Nursing and Allied Health until I returned to King’s in September 2024 to undertake my current role.
My role in the Faculty is focused on education innovation and research and enhancing the student experience through these two things. I work collaboratively with students and colleagues to develop projects that enable us to evaluate the education that we provide for students and think about how we can enhance the experience of all students. Areas that I am currently exploring are assessment and feedback, inclusive education and career trajectories and choices of students.
What do you think people in the School would find most surprising about you?
That I am a Swifty and went to see her ERAS Tour last year. I listen to her music when I am running.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
That it is ok to make mistakes and wrong choices, they can help you to get where you need to be.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
I am undertaking two projects focused on developing feedback literacy for students. One is with first year physiotherapy students to support them to use their assessment feedback effectively, the second is a University wide project in collaboration with colleagues in NMES to develop a series of short videos that students will be able to use to develop their feedback literacy. The videos will focus on different aspects of using feedback and how students can develop the skills required to use it effectively. Being able to use and act on feedback is a skill that we all need and use throughout our careers, so supporting students to develop these skills is a really valuable area of my work.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I like reading, embroidery and spending time with my family. I also love eating out.
Who inspires you most and why?
I am most inspired by the students that I work with and their commitment to enhancing the student experience. This is in addition to their course and their enthusiasm and energy is really encouraging.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a parent and supporting my children to be happy and fulfilled.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
I love the collegiality and partnership working that happens at King's with colleagues and students. This is a huge strength that the university has, and it really feels like a community.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Spring, I love all the blossom
Favourite book: I have two, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, the main female characters are similar in many ways
Favourite scientist: Rosalind Franklin
Coffee order: Flat White
One thing you could not go a day without: Coffee
The last photo on your phone: My cat watching the TV.