Celebrating diversity in health and healthcare research
Learn more about the achievements within Faculty of Health
ñޜMy work focuses on wellbeing, particularly at work or university, and I am an advocate for holistic, preventative approaches towards mental health. Itñޙs not just doing the research, but sharing it for wider benefit that I find so important.ñޝ
ñޜAfter completing my A levels, I worked as a chemistry technician at my old school for a year. I then went on to complete a degree in Analytical Chemistry at the ñ, and jumped at the chance to work there when a technical role came up. Twelve years later and I am still here, enhancing my skills and knowledge every day. I have gone from a technical assistant, to technical support coordinator and into my current role of Faculty of Health Clinical Skills Technical Manager. I now manage a team of ten technicians across our campuses, leading on the provision of clinical skills simulation facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate training and I feel very lucky to work with such amazing people and state of the art facilities.ñޝ
ñޜI believe very strongly that everyone should have an opportunity to go to university if they want to, regardless of what school they went to, what their parents do or what colour their skin is. I also believe that gender should not influence life chances either, which is why I now lead our departmental and university Athena Swan committees, with the aim to remove gender inequality from HE (one step at a time).ñޝ
ñޜI was the first person in my family to go to university, and itñޙs this personal experience that drives me to help others be the best they can be, regardless of background.ñޝ
ñޜWe must always remember that we are all valuable for our invisible differences, as well as those we can see ñޓ for example, Iñޙm a BAME woman, but Iñޙm also from a disadvantaged background, and have experienced different health concerns. Itñޙs vital that we listen to, and open up opportunities for, everybody. Iñޙm passionate about helping people to achieve their best.ñޝ
ñޜMy work investigates how neural stem cells could be used to treat conditions like dementia or brain cancer, and for me the most important aspect of a career in science is to be passionate about it ñޓ I am always inspired when scientists talk enthusiastically about their work.ñޝ
ñޜBeing a clinician and a researcher is a real privilege. Our patients are our inspiration and motivate us in our quest to understand their conditions and find hope for the future.ñޝ
ñޜHaving grown up and seen family tragedy, I used to wonder ñޘwhat am I here for?ñޙ, and I knew that I didnñޙt want to have a life where it didnñޙt mean anything. Now, I have my science and I want to use it to do something about some of the issues in the world. It gives me energy to enjoy life, and I hope my students feel the same way too.ñޝ
ñޜEquality, diversity and inclusion is an area close to my heart because, through raising a daughter with a learning disability, I know what it feels like to be marginalised and to have to fight for what is given freely to others. Through her I have learnt to advocate for people who do not have a loud voice and act as a positive role model to help people learn acceptance and tolerance. I am passionate about challenging inequalities and prejudices.ñޝ
ñޜMy research involves a critical evaluation of how research is prioritised, conducted and implemented, to understand the best ways with which to identify and address current gaps in knowledge. I am very lucky to work with a diverse group of scientists from different countries, men and women with different life experiences. These diversities are crucial to ensure a constructive discussions in science on how we can find better ways to conduct research.ñޝ
ñޜFor me it's about communicating the latest in nutrition research, so that people can use that knowledge in their everyday lives.ñޝ
ñޜI find it immensely rewarding to know that my research helps to unlock the potential for patients and doctors to work together in a mutually beneficial relationship that supports improvements in both medicine and wider society.ñޝ
ñޜWe become better educators and learners when we intentionally include and value our unique differences in our teaching and learning. In our nursing department we have recorded inclusive teaching materials to embrace our diverse staff and student body. We also plan to equip our clinical skills facilities with diverse mannequins. Our aim is to produce nurses who can deliver quality care to all patient regardless of their diversity.ñޝ