Theme overview
The Innovative Pedagogy theme includes research exploring new technologies in teaching and assessment, the incorporation of various digital technologies in learning and assessment to promote student engagement and outcomes. It also covers research into the use of Generative AI, its detection, and its assistance in the production of quality scientific writing and reports. Student-centred approaches such as co-creation, promoting student voice and participation, is equally a key aspect of innovative pedagogy.
This includes research into novel experimental design, collaboration in the collection and analysis of big data sets, student creation of learning materials, and initiatives designed to address key sustainable development issues. Given the cutting-edge nature of this theme, the scope of research is not limited to the specific examples given here and will continue to evolve with time. So, whatever your creative ideas are, you are welcome!
Theme lead
Dr Bunmi Omorotionmwan
Dr Bunmi Omorotionmwan is a Lecturer in Microbiology, Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University. She is the module leader for Applied Microbiology and co-lead for the departmental tutorials. Her pedagogical research explores the incorporation of creative innovations in teaching and learning and evaluation of the impact on student experience. She also interested in how inclusive assessments can be used to enhance student outcome for all.
Theme researchers
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 innovative teaching and learning activities including Pipetting Olympics and a board game to help students understand challenges in the antibiotic development pathway in recent years.
Sarah Kuehne
Sarah is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology and the theme lead for the Antimicrobial Resistance, Omics, and Microbiota research group within the Department of Biosciences. Her research explores anaerobic bacteria, bacterial communities, and host–pathogen interactions, with a particular focus on understanding microbial dynamics in complex environments. In her teaching, she is committed to enhancing engagement and accessibility for large student cohorts by incorporating interactive and inclusive learning strategies. Her pedagogical interests include developing innovative approaches to make complex microbiological concepts more approachable and fostering active learning environments that support diverse learning styles.
Sergio Colombo
Dr. Sergio Colombo is a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry within the School of Science and Technology at NTU. His teaching focuses primarily on central metabolism, its regulation and dysfunction, and its relevance to pathology—areas that also reflect his scientific research interests. Pedagogically, he is particularly interested in integrating AI platforms to enhance the teaching of these subjects in modules such as Introduction to Biochemistry, Metabolism and Its Control, Global Challenges of Health, and Cell Signalling and Cancer.
Karin Garrie
Dr Garrie is a Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Immunology, part of the Biosciences Team in the School of Science and Technology. She is Module Leader for Immunology and Virology (undergraduate BSc (Hon), NVQ level 6, year 3), joint co-module leader for Introduction to Cell Biology (undergraduate BSc (Hon), NVQ level 4, year 1) and Clinical Immunology (postgraduate M level, flexible learning module, NVQ level 7, year 4, to start academic year 2015/2016). In addition she is the Biomedical Science Course Tutor for year 1 students. Dr Garrie is also involved as a lecturer on additional undergraduate modules.
Conor Mehan
Conor is an associate professor of microbial bioinformatics and is lead co-ordinator of all data science teaching within the department. Their research interests include pathogen epidemiology, genomics and antimicrobial resistance as well as microbiome evolution and clinical use. Within the department Conor is module lead for the advanced bioinformatics module and specialises in teaching via flipped classroom and team-based learning approaches, primarily focussing on transferable and academic skills acquisition.
Laurel Chaproniere
Laurel Chaproniere is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology and Pharmacology. She is the course leader for the MSc Pharmacology and module leader for Applied Biology and Current Topics in Physiology. Laurel also serves as the departmental lead for Artificial Intelligence in Biosciences, supporting colleagues and students to explore the ethical and pedagogical implications of generative AI in teaching, learning, and assessment. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), her research focuses on inclusive assessment, reflexive practice, and the evolving identity of science academics as both educators and researchers. Laurel’s work aims to promote student voice and challenge traditional boundaries between teaching and research, advocating for a more inclusive and values-led academic culture.
Blessing Airhihen
Dr Blessing Airhihen is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), passionate about enhancing the student experience. She employs innovative pedagogy and co-creation in her teaching design and practice at NTU. Her research focusses on Professional identity, mentoring women in STEMM and Early career professionals.