Who am I?

I have had a varied career from training to be a dental nurse then deciding food in all its forms from eating insects to preparing fine dining was for me, my favourite part was bakery and cake decoration of which I am qualified to a high standard. I trained as a chef eventually running kitchens and managing staff, which led me to teaching students from 14 - adult and becoming programme lead in Hospitality and Catering at a large college in Liverpool. Employability of the students has always been important to me, supporting them with social mobility helping them gain skills not only professional but personal was essential. Eventually I studied an undergraduate in nutrition whilst working for food companies around the northwest. Which led me to Manchester Metropolitan University were I use my knowledge and contacts to liase with employers, charities, SME's and large blue chip companies to open the door to give students opportunities to volunteer take part in projects and gain vital skills for their onward journey. I am curently studying an MA and have just gained my FHEA award showing I have the skills to deliver quality teaching in HE (Fellowship of Higher Education Academy).       

Why do I teach?

I teach and have taught in various setting in the past for the joy of seeing students develop and become confident in their elected field: I enjoy being part of and observing students as their lives change through knowledge, understanding and social mobility. Watching how students grow and advance once in employment is wonderful. Having them willing to return and give other students an insight to their journey and in some cases mentoring the students fills me with pride.    

Words of wisdom

If at first you don't succeeed try harder, the harder you work the more success you will have. 

Do not worry you will get there in the end and the journey will be an interesting one.

How I’ll teach you

I will teach you in a variety of ways from a democratic environment for learning, share ideas, discuss and eventually you will be skillful and knowledgeable.

Academic and professional qualifications

My role has developed and grown over the four years I have been at MMU, as I have worked within the food industry in a variety of roles, therefore  I am able to give specialised information on industry standards for employment to the Nutritional Science and Sports, Exercise Nutrition students.

My current role incorporates lecturing and supporting undergraduates Nutritional Science and Sports and Exercise Nutrition students alongside postgraduate Food innovation, Nutrition and Health students, in their search for placements/ internships, graduate and postgraduate roles. I have developed specific drop-ins, breakfast clubs and career lectures to target CV, Interviews and assessment centres. I hold mock interview sessions and any support students require before or after interviews. This enhances the development of their employability skills alongside their confidence. Managing a database and employer needs is challenging and rewarding. I have developed a database called inside story to inform students of what is required from them in interviews etc with specific employers.  

Previous employment

My employment past is varied as I have been employed in a range of positions from leading a brigade in a large kitchen through to working within new product development in food manufacturing. Alongside having a BSc in Food and Nutrition, these experiences have established my skills both, working and managing people and being able to project manage tasks with efficiency and meeting deadlines. 

Having taught at an FE college for many years in vocational training and teaching across a full curriculum and becoming the curriulum lead was a fabulous experience. This role included providing students with pastoral and employability support as part of the curriculum.

I feel developing and maintaining industry contacts for students to take advantage of work based learning and placements is something I feel strongly in supporting and providing the skills for students to succeed.

Prizes and awards

Roquette Food Innovation Award

Visiting and honorary positions

Academic Mentor for students on placement 

Membership of professional associations

Fellowship of Higher Education FHEA

A  Member of The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services