Gavin White Staff Biography
Animal Nutrition MSc course director
I have been course director for the MSc Animal Nutrition degree since its inception in 2014, and I have a broad interest in nutrition across a range of farm, livestock and zoo animal species.
I am a Senior Fellow of the HEA (now Advance HE) and a member of the Register of Accredited Animal Scientists (British Society of Animal Science / Society of Biology).
Within the University, I am also an Academic Misconduct Officer (postgraduate) for the School of Biosciences.
About me
Please tell us about your career to date.
I first came to the University in 2003 to undertake my PhD in Animal Nutrition. Following two periods of postdoctoral research (2008 – 2013), I subsequently joined the Division of Animal Sciences in a teaching-focused role and was part of the academic team responsible for establishing the MSc Animal Nutrition degree programme.
I convene a number of core modules at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and have an active role in teaching and assessment within the School of Biosciences. I also supervise a number of BSc Animal Science and MSc Animal Nutrition research dissertations.
What are your research interests?
My research background is in non-ruminant animal nutrition, where I have been involved in several large research programmes examining nutritional approaches to sustainable livestock production. Another keen research interest is companion animal health and nutrition, particularly the issue of pet obesity. In 2018 I acted as consultant on a large interdisciplinary research project investigating factors associated with obesity in companion dogs across the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Russia. This collaboration was with research partners across a number of academic institutions (UK and Australia) and a large global pet food company, ultimately generating a co-authored publication in a leading International scientific journal.
I also have a keen interest in how to better support students in their transition from undergraduate to postgraduate taught (PGT) study. Along with a small team of colleagues at the University of Nottingham, I have co-developed a new PGT support programme that delivers a series of academic seminars, workshops, careers advice and wellbeing sessions throughout the year. Due to the success of the programme, it has recently been expanded to faculty level.
You can view my publications on my staff page.
What are you currently working on?
The changing landscape of pet nutrition (e.g. diet types and ingredient choice, marketing vs. scientific evidence).
What is the most enjoyable part of being a course director for Animal Nutrition MSc?
It is rewarding to see the development and increasing confidence of students as they progress through the MSc Animal Nutrition course - using knowledge and concepts gained early on, and then applying them to real-life nutritional scenarios during the second semester. I also enjoy the diverse demographic of students who enrol on the course; the range of cultures and experiences really add to the learning environment.
Email Gavin with questions about the course