Director of Academic Programmes; University of Abertay Dundee
PhD Civil Engineering (1987)
Birmingham allowed me to have fun and plan my future simultaneously.
My teaching and research interests are in the field of fluid mechanics, hydraulics, risk assessment and management, and environmental management and modelling. I teach at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and facilitate teaching and learning workshops for teaching practitioners. I play a pivotal role in enhancing students’ learning experience in the School of Contemporary Sciences and in the University of Abertay Dundee.
In May 2010, I was appointed as the Director of Academic Programmes in the School of Contemporary Sciences. In this role, I work with the Head of School and oversee the development and quality enhancement of the school's portfolio of programmes. In addition, I take lead responsibility within the school for promoting and monitoring teaching quality assurance and enhancement including the academic student experience.
What is the best thing about what you are doing now?
I have great enthusiasm for working with students, to enrich their experience and make them better people when they leave my University.
What was the best thing about your time as a PhD student here?
The environment was excellent and I met with and established a great network of people.
In what way did living and studying in Birmingham live up to your expectations?
Birmingham allowed me to have fun and plan my future simultaneously.
What advice would you give to current PhD students?
Be curious, respect the provisionality of knowledge, and plan to be one step ahead of others.