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Robyn Adams

Robyn Adams

Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Staff Group(s)
Chemistry and Forensic Science

Role

Robyn Adams is senior Lecturer in Forensic Biology, specialising in forensic DNA analysis and authentic science education. She joined NTU in 2022 as an enthusiastic educator committed to high‑quality teaching, student support, and practice‑rich learning environments, in the UK and internationally.

She is the module leader for Foundation Biology (FORE00001), Introduction to Forensic Biology (FORE10001) and Biological Techniques in Forensic Science (FORE20007). She also led delivery of the Forensic Science Winter School delivery in Delhi in 2026.

Career overview

Robyn is an experienced biologist with qualifications included a BSc in Biological and Forensic Sciences, an MSc in Molecular Biology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (where she was awarded ‘Student of the Year’).

Her professional background spans forensic laboratories and Further Education institutions, providing a strong foundation in both applied forensic practice and science education.

Career highlights include:

  • Over five years in a forensic DNA laboratory as DNA Shift Supervisor and Reporting Analyst, leading teams, liaising with police forces, and ensuring ISO‑17025 accreditation.
  • Over three years teaching Level 3 Science and Forensic programmes as a lecturer and course leader, including independently implementing T Level Laboratory Science and producing pedagogical content for the NCFE awarding body.
  • Over Five years as an Hourly‑Paid Lecturer, delivering specialist DNA teaching to undergraduate scientists alongside her forensic role.

Research areas

Robyn Adams focuses on projects relating to body fluid and trace DNA detection, RNA degradation as an indicator of postmortem interval, and bioinformatic analysis to identify potential sequences suitable for forensic phenotyping.

Pedagogically, Robyn’s scholarship examines how contextualised, authentic learning environments enhance student understanding of complex forensic and molecular biology concepts. Her research explores work‑like learning as a method for improving student confidence and accessibility.

Robyn also contributes to the School of Science and Technology’s active collaborative learning working group, supporting research into the development of collaborative, high‑impact teaching practices across the School.

External activity

Robyn is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.