Tuesday 24 August 2010
New Dean appointed for School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Dr Eunice Simmons
The University has appointed Dr Eunice Simmons as the new Dean of its School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences. Eunice was formerly Dean of Science and Natural Resources at the University of Cumbria.
Having achieved a degree in biology from the University of Manchester and a PGCE at Roehampton, Eunice undertook two years of teaching science before turning her attention to further academic study. She was awarded an MSc in the conservation of soil fertility from the University of Kent, as well as a PhD from the University of London on the effect of mixed plantations on the conservation value of ancient woodland sites in England.
Working for 12 years as a lecturer at Wye and Imperial Colleges, Eunice became Head of the National School of Forestry at the University of Central Lancashire in 2002 and subsequently Head of their School of Natural Resources. She was appointed to her role as Dean of Science and Natural Resources at the University of Cumbria in 2007 where she has led the installation of bioenergy systems using crops grown on the University farms and a cohort of UKERC PhDs focusing on sustainable energy production.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Eunice recognises the challenge of changing people's behaviours and attitudes towards the use of the planet's natural resources. Her scholarly, professional and research interests in this area have led to many partnership projects, a current role as chair of Cumbria Woodlands and an appointment by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to chair the Forestry Commission's NW Regional Advisory Committee.
Dr Simmons said: "The School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences at Nottingham Trent University is very well placed to develop its already enviable reputation for excellence in teaching and research. With society at last beginning to take environmental sustainability seriously, the School has a great opportunity to demonstrate innovation and leadership in this area."
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