Contact
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 and additionally completed doctorate study part time. 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
As 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 collaborative activities towards success in external and accreditation compliance for this provision with bodies such as ESFA and Ofsted.
Within the School of Biosciences, Emma also specialises in translating Food Science principles into realistic modern manufacturing and retail applications for students. Keeping close ot industry and emerging technology she is currently Chair of the Publications Committee of Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).
From August 2023, she wil commence the role of Director for Natural Sciences, accredited programmes that meet future requirements for interdisciplinary education, and is looking forward to supporting and growing this high quality provision.
Areas of expertise/teaching specialty:
* Food manufacturing processes
* 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
* Problem Based Learning (PBL) Teaching
* Student professional development
* Programme and competencies curriculum mapping
Teaching Summary
Problem Based learning Modules across Food Sciences UG and PG 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
WESTON E, FOSTER TJ, CRILLY J and MOSSOP L, 2020. Development of a Professional Competency Framework for UK Food Science Graduates Journal of Food Science Education. 19(1), 10-25 WESTON E, BENLLOCH TINOCO M, MOSSOP L, MCCULLOUGH F and FOSTER T, 2020. Curriculum Mapping Food Science Programs: An Approach to Quantification of Professional Competencies Journal of Food Science Education. 19(2), 97-108 WESTON E, 2018. Competencies for Food Graduate Careers Available at: <https://www.ifst.org/knowledge-centre-other-knowledge/competencies-food-graduate-careers>
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.