Tell us about yourself
I joined the University of Cumbria in November 2021. Prior to this I worked clinically in a ‘clinical lead’ role, training newly qualified radiographers in CT and MRI imaging. I have always loved teaching – joining Cumbria as a lecturer meant that I could pursue this further, using my previous knowledge and skills whilst learning new ones!
What practice experience do you have and how did you transition to academia?
My background is predominantly in CT and MRI imaging. I had worked clinically for 13 years prior to my transition into academia. Whilst I loved clinical and I do miss it at times, academia has enabled me to challenge myself further, learning new skills but also actively using my previous clinical experience every day.
Tell us about your current research and achievements in academia
I have successfully completed my PgC Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (TLHE), and I had already achieved a PgC in Computed Tomography previously in my clinical role. The PgC TLHE helped me develop my skills in teaching and learning, has helped build my confidence whilst arming me with new techniques, and theoretical knowledge that I now actively apply to my teaching.
I have just started my Masters in Educational Professional Practice (Higher Education pathway), and my first module is a research proposal. This is exciting for me as research was one of my reasons for joining academia and I feel this is my first step forward.
What modules do you teach and what is your favourite part of these?
I really enjoy the modules I teach; my modules are 3rd year – focused radiological practice modules. This includes modality-specific learning pathways that the students get to choose, they are encouraged to choose a modality they have found particularly interesting and want to explore further. They then get to study this both theoretically on this module and clinically on an adjoining module.
Other aspects of this module are focused on a multimodality approach to the patient pathway, expanding their knowledge of radiology services as a whole and applying it to real-life scenarios as they transition from student to a newly qualified radiographer. The students enjoy this module and engagement is excellent.
What makes your course different?
In addition to our course offering exceptional academic teaching and learning. We have amazing clinical placement sites. Our students stay at their placement sites for the full 3 years, enabling them to build confidence, friendships and support networks at their placement sites as well as university.
We pride ourselves in ensuring our students feel equally supported on placement and in university, applying consistent points of contact throughout the academic year.
We arrange an ‘away day’ at the end of year 2 to Ambleside. This gives an opportunity for the students and lecturers to socialise on a scenic walk through beautiful Ambleside. We start the day off by giving the students an introduction into Year 3 and help them make their choices for the modality-specific module.
What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?
Both Lancaster and Carlisle campuses are located in a beautiful part of the country. There is a perfect mix of university life, with lots of bars/restaurants and also the beautiful surroundings and scenic countryside on your doorstep.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?
The people! This includes my colleagues, university support services and students. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive and engaging – you are never without someone to talk to, seek support from or just have a friendly chat with.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
I am quite adventurous at heart! When I joined Cumbria, I had just had my little boy, now 3 and I have another little girl, 6. So, they are really the focus of a lot of conversations I have with colleagues and students.
But I have also travelled quite a bit around South America, South East Asia and Australia, obtaining my scuba PADI qualification in Brazil. I have also jumped out of a plane 33 times whilst learning to sky dive – although I did not complete this qualification and have no desire to ever do it again! But I am qualified to pack a parachute and once packed my husband’s parachute prior to a jum – which was quite nerve-wracking!