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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
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.