Theme overview
At the Bioscience Scholarship Research Centre, the Inclusive Student Experience theme is dedicated to advancing research that fosters equity, diversity, and success for all students. This theme explores ways to create an inclusive learning environment by addressing key challenges such as the attainment gap, curriculum diversity, and the experiences of international students.
Our research focuses on reducing the attainment gap by identifying and implementing targeted interventions, while also developing a diverse and representative curriculum that challenges colonial constructs. We are also addressing the challenges international students face and strengthen global collaboration and increase student social mobility through initiatives such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and ERASMUS+ exchanges. Additionally, we explore innovative teaching and assessment methods to ensure they are accessible and supportive of diverse learning needs. Our work also evaluates strategies to support educational transitions across levels as students progress through their studies.
Through this research, we aim to create meaningful, evidence-based change that empowers all students to thrive in Bioscience education and beyond.
Theme lead
Dr Anastasios Stavrou
Dr Anastasios Stavrou is a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry and a course leader for the Biological Sciences undergraduate course. He leads the Professional Skills for Bioscientists II module. His scholarship focuses on giving students and staff the keys to their own success to create a more equitable and accessible learning environment.
His current research spans two key areas: Decolonising Biosciences and Improving educational outcomes in students with disabilities. His work explores ways to challenge colonial constructs in bioscience education, ensuring that teaching materials and methodologies are more representative of diverse student backgrounds. Beyond curriculum development, Dr Stavrou engages in initiatives aimed at reducing the attainment gap and supporting international students. His work on supporting students with disabilities includes implementing dyslexia-friendly interventions in laboratory practicals to improve their reading and performance.
Emma Gaunt
Emma has a strong focus of the scholarship of teaching and
learning with a keen interest in closing awarding gaps and success for all. Her work focuses on closing the Black/White awarding gap as this is an important sector wide issue. She aims to build a more inclusive university experience, improve degree outcomes and ultimately a more prosperous society.
Mark Paul-Clark
Dr Mark Paul-Clark (Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology) is an inflammation scientist in the Pharmacology Team providing postgraduate and undergraduate provision. Course lead for MSc Pharmacology (2022-2024). His research area focuses on the impact of inflammation leading to maladaptation of the immune system, vasculature and neurons causing pathophysiological consequences.
Jody Winter
Jody leads on microbiology education and community outreach in the Department of Biosciences and her research focuses on disease-causing bacteria and antimicrobial resistance. She has supported the delivery of COIL projects and an ERASMUS+ exchange program between NTU and international partner institutions in recent years.
Aldo Gutierrez
Dr Gutierrez's main contribution to teaching is in the field of Biochemistry, with an emphasis on protein and peptide science. Teaching interests include protein-catalyzed reactions (enzyme kinetics) as well as the application of physical methods such as calorimetry to the study of proteins and their interactions with other biological molecules.
Selman Ali
Dr Ali is Module Leader for Immunology Virology and Practical Techniques for FdSc. He teaches on the modules Immunology Virology; Parasitology; Selective Toxicity and Pharmacotherapy of Cancer; Biology of Disease; Genetics and Immunology; Aspects of Biomedical Sciences; Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Cells and Tissues and Research Methods.
Carl Nelson
Carl is course leader for BSc Pharmacology and is Admissions and Internationalisation lead for the Department of Biosciences. His scholarly interests include: transnational education through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL); closing the Black/White attainment gap; and game-based learning.
Jess Dale
Dr Jess Dale is a Senior Lecturer within the Biosciences team and Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course. She is the Year Tutor for the final-year Biomedical Science cohort and Module Leader for the final-year Immunology and Virology module. Her main teaching contributions are in the fields of Virology, Immunology, Cell Biology and Viral Pathogenesis. She teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Dr Dale has scholarship interests centred on promoting inclusive communities and enhancing student wellbeing. Her research explores strategies to improve course outcomes, reduce attainment gaps and refine assessment practices for a diverse student cohort.
Arthur Hosie
Arthur is the postgraduate courses manager in biosciences and has a long history of effective student support to enable an inclusive student experience. He has a particular interest in enabling accessible higher education, especially laboratory sciences, for those with a physical disability, neurodiversity or mental health challenges. His scholarship interests include effective student transition to UK Higher Education and personal tutorial support.