Role
Dr Muriel Funck is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Forensic Science at Nottingham Trent University, Chemistry educator and researcher transforming laboratory‑based learning through inclusive, applied, and student‑centred approaches. She teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, specialising in analytical and forensic chemistry, and contributes to the teaching of core modules including Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Analysis, and Drugs of Abuse.
She is Module Leader for Advanced Topics in Forensic Science, where students explore and critically evaluate current issues in the field, developing advanced analytical and research skills while broadening their understanding of contemporary challenges facing the forensic community. She also supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
Muriel is the Integrated Foundation Year Tutor, with a strong focus on supporting transition into higher education and enabling success for diverse student cohorts. Her teaching is informed by her industrial and research experience and is characterised by a commitment to inclusive, student‑centred practice, with a particular emphasis on laboratory-based learning and student progression in STEM.
Career overview
Dr Muriel Funck began her career in France, completing a University Diploma of Technology in Chemistry before gaining research experience at CNRS (2004). She then completed an MChem (First Class Honours) (2007) at Nottingham Trent University, developing expertise in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry, including industry experience. She went on to complete a PhD in supramolecular chemistry and immunology at NTU in 2011, using green synthetic techniques such as microwave-assisted synthesis.
Following a Research Assistant role, she joined the academic team as a Lecturer in 2011 and has since progressed to Senior Lecturer. She now teaches across foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with a focus on laboratory education, inclusive practice, and supporting student success in STEM. Her contributions to teaching and student experience have been recognised through a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence (2025).
Research areas
ORCID ID:0000-0001-9745-2182
Dr Muriel Funck’s research combines analytical chemistry, forensic science, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, reflecting an applied and interdisciplinary approach.
Her scientific work focuses on the application of analytical chemistry to real-world challenges, including
- the analysis of e cigarettes and vaping products, with a focus on chemical composition, safety, and counterfeit detection;
- environmental analytical chemistry, including pollution studies in Icelandic fjord systems and water quality analysis (e.g. Rutland Water);
- forensic investigation of complex samples, including illicit and counterfeit materials
This work draws on a broad range of instrumental analytical techniques, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy, supporting both applied research and student-led projects.
In parallel, Muriel develops work in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), with a focus on pedagogy, inclusive practice, and the use of technology enhanced learning to improve student engagement and success in STEM. Her pedagogical work centres on designing engaging, student centred learning environments that support the development of practical skills and scientific confidence, particularly within laboratory-based disciplines. This includes the use of active and scaffolded learning approaches to build competence and independence, alongside the integration of digital tools and simulations to extend laboratory learning beyond the physical setting.
A key strand of her work is the development of inclusive activities and assessments that reduce barriers to participation, promote equity, and foster a sense of belonging. She also focuses on student engagement, confidence, and transition into higher education, particularly within foundation year provision, supporting students in developing core scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, and academic resilience.
Through this integrated approach, Muriel brings together research, teaching, and real world application, using authentic analytical challenges to inform curriculum design and create meaningful, applied learning experiences for students.
Sponsors and collaborators
Dr Funck collaborates with academic partners nationally and internationally, including Loughborough University and the University of Akureyri (Iceland).
Publications
Development of a chronic kidney disease model in C57BL/6 mice with relevance to human pathology . Huang L, Scarpellini A, Funck M, Verderio EAM and Johnson TS, Nephron Extra, 2013, 3 (1) 12-29
Microwave-assisted synthesis of resorcin[4]arene and pyrogallol[4]arene macrocycles. Funck M, Guest DP and Cave GWV, Tetrahedron Letters, 2010, 51 (49), 6399-6402.
Muriel’s work contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through inclusive, student centred STEM teaching, and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the analysis of e cigarettes and consumer products. Her environmental research, including water quality and pollution studies, aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), reflecting an applied approach to addressing real world scientific and societal challenges.
