School of Biosciences
 

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Emma Weston

Director of Natural Sciences and Associate Professor in Food Sciences, Faculty of Science

Contact

  • workRoom A22 Food Sciences (also at University Park, Physics Building)
    Sutton Bonington Campus
    Sutton Bonington
    Leicestershire
    LE12 5RD
    UK
  • workvia Teams

Biography

Emma studied Animal Physiology and Nutrition at Leeds University followed by a Masters Degree in Food Science. Later in her career she completed her doctorate.

After working in Clinical Biochemistry research at the University of Oxford, Emma then moved into the food industry working initially as a Process Technologist, then in a variety of Technical and Project Management roles for over 14 years.

She has experience in flour milling, bakery/snacks and a variety of chilled convenience food production operations and remains close to many industry stakeholders in her teaching and sector skills activities.

Emma joined the University in May 2009 and gained her PGCHE in 2012 within the University of Nottingham to support her predominately teaching role. She is a proud recipient of a Lord Dearing Award for outstanding teaching contribution, is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE) and a Member of the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Expertise Summary

From August 2023 Emma commenced the role as Director of Natural Sciences, leading the teaching of accredited programmes that meet future requirements for interdisciplinary education. She is pleased to join the team, who focus on high quality, dynamic provision and an excellent student experience. She has oversight of the entire Natural Sciences programme, managing the relationships with the contributing Schools and ensuring that the programme runs effectively with an exciting curriculum.

Within the School of Biosciences, Emma has specialised in translating Food Science principles into realistic modern manufacturing and retail applications for students since 2010. Her Problem-Based Learning (PBL) modules, are highly regarded by students for the development of critical thinking and broader workplace and group working skills. Her 'Competencies for Food Graduate Careers' framework is integrated in the Food Sciences curricula and in careers education for student. Keeping close to industry and emerging technology she is currently Chair of the Publications Committee of Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).

As University Academic Director for Degree Apprenticeships (2021-2023), Emma oversaw the quality of teaching, and development of future systems and processes for the growing provision of Higher and Degree apprenticeship programmes across the University. This included navigating collaborative activities towards success in external and accreditation compliance for this provision with bodies such as ESFA and Ofsted.

Areas of expertise/teaching specialty:

* Programme and competencies curriculum mapping

* Student personal and professional development

* Problem Based Learning (PBL) Teaching

* Apprenticeships delivery in Higher Education

Food Sciences Specifics:

* Routine QA and QC testing

* New Product Development (NPD)

* Food Safety, Quality Systems and Auditing

* Technical Management approaches

* Recruitment and development of technical staff

* Current and emerging manufacturing technical trends and needs

Teaching Summary

Synoptic Group Project Module delivery for Natural Sciences undergraduate students

Problem Based learning modules for UG and PGT cohorts

Industry-centred teaching for a number of modules including tours of food factories

Professional skills development

Academic requirements for non-traditional higher education through apprenticeship routes

Professional development of teaching practitioners to meet a range of educational programmes and needs

Research Summary

Competencies for Food Graduate Careers - Active research with UK Food and Drink Industry on what makes an excellent food sciences graduate… read more

Recent Publications

Current Research

Competencies for Food Graduate Careers - Active research with UK Food and Drink Industry on what makes an excellent food sciences graduate https://www.ifst.org/resources/competencies-food-graduate-careers. A refresh of the framework is underway in partnership with three other Universities and food industry stakeholders (estimated relaunch summer 2023).

Collaboration with other UK Universities on group and problem-based learning. Also on careers education and improving food industry talent pipeline including @UKFoodScience

Professional Skills - definition and integration in HE teaching

Development of technical manufacturing scenarios for PBL Teaching and other active learning

Future Research

Continued work to explore further use of Competencies for Food Graduate Careers framework at other Universities, and with industry bodies, to improve food industry technical talent pipeline. In collaboration with other Universities adn Employers, a refresh of the Competencies for Food Graduate Careers framework is due for launch on IFST website end Summer 2023.

School of Biosciences

University of Nottingham
Sutton Bonington Campus
Nr Loughborough
LE12 5RD, UK

For all enquiries please visit:
www.nottingham.ac.uk/enquire

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