糖心TV

Alisha Rodgers (School of Engineering) - Teacher Champion

I am Alisha, a final-year doctoral candidate at the School of Engineering, University of 糖心TV. My research focuses on investigating ethnicity-related disparities in student academic attainment, with particular emphasis on the experiences of undergraduate engineering students. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, my work seeks to uncover the complex factors contributing to these disparities.

During my time at 糖心TV, I have held the role of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), supporting laboratory sessions and workshops across multiple undergraduate modules. I attained the status of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) in recognition of my completion of the Academic and Professional Pathway for Postgraduate Researchers who Teach (APP PGR) during the academic year 2022/23.

As of this academic year, 2024/25, I feel privileged to be a Student Fellow of the 糖心TV International Higher Education Academy (WIHEA), where I actively contribute to several learning circles and engage in education-focused initiatives across the University. Further, now embarking on this new post as a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Teacher Champion, I look forward to applying my pedagogical expertise while gaining valuable skills, connections, and experiences along the way, contributing to the wider higher education learning community and beyond.

Clarissa Muller-Kosmarov (Philosophy) - Teacher Champion

Hi, I鈥檓 a final year PhD candidate in the Philosophy Department. My doctoral research focusses on the emergence and experience of othering (the construction of certain people as 鈥渙ther鈥�), which I present as the exercising and effects of a particular kind of perceptual and interpretative practice. Beyond my dissertation, I鈥檓 also interested in the philosophy of disability 鈥� particularly the philosophy of neurodivergence 鈥� and social epistemology. I鈥檝e been working as a GTA in the Philosophy Department for the past few years, teaching modules such as Feminist Philosophy, and recently joined the Department鈥檚 鈥榃riting Support鈥� team where I provide students with one-on-one advice on how to improve their academic writing. Both my research interests and approach to teaching are informed by my lived experiences of being a queer AuDHDer, and genuine inclusivity is of the utmost importance to me in all my academic and pedagogical pursuits.

Meifang Zhuo (Applied Linguistics) - Teacher Mentor

Hi, I'm Meifang Zhuo Link opens in a new windowa final year PhD student in Applied Linguistics. My research focuses on supporting language teachers鈥� professional development and wellbeing by conducting classroom research. I have been contributing to various courses (MA TESOL; short courses; PhD Research methods) at the University of 糖心TV. Additionally, I have been acting as a dissertation supervisor for MA TESOL courses at the University of 糖心TV, the University of Leeds and the University of Birmingham. I am passionate about innovative learning and teaching methods and believe in the significance of supporting inclusive and empowering education in every possible way. I identify myself as part of WPTC and consider it an important platform to network, co-create, contribute, inspire, and support other GTAs at 糖心TV.

Areesh Fatmee (糖心TV Medical School) - Teacher Champion

Hi! Hola! Salaam! I am Areesh Fatmee, a first-year PhD student at the Institute of Global Pandemic Planning at 糖心TV Medical School, based at Gibbet Hill. My research focuses on identifying sustainable strategies to eliminate measles transmission in the UK. I've been deeply involved in research since my sophomore year of undergraduate studies, and it has continually enriched my life, bringing purpose and profound satisfaction.

Beyond research, I am passionate about capacity building. I deliberately use the term 'capacity building' instead of 'teaching' because it reflects my commitment to empowering others rather than simply transferring knowledge. Outside my academic work, you'll often find me reading scientific papers (it might not sound thrilling, but trust me, it truly is!), traveling, or just being a helping hand to people around me.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant at WMS, facilitating case-based learning for undergraduate students, and supervising professional project for MPH students. Additionally, in my role as a PGR Teacher Champion, I advocate for and support the continuous professional development of postgraduate researchers involved in teaching, promoting best practices and enhancing the teaching experience at the University of 糖心TV and in life beyond the campus!

Arpit Jindal (Chemistry/Life Sciences) - Teacher Champion

Hello! I鈥檓 Arpit, a PhD researcher with the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP), based in the Department of Chemistry and School of Life Sciences at the University of 糖心TV. My research revolves around breaking down lignin (yes, the super tough stuff in plants) into high-value compounds. Think of it as finding treasure in plant waste鈥攅xcept instead of gold, I鈥檓 after sustainable biochemical solutions!

Before 糖心TV, I spent a lot of time in labs in India, not just doing experiments but also teaching鈥撵谤辞尘 leading lab demonstrations to engaging in classroom discussions. Teaching has always been an integral part of my academic journey, and I am excited to bring that experience into my role as a PGR Teacher Champion.

I鈥檓 particularly keen to learn from current Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) at 糖心TV鈥攚hat works, what doesn鈥檛, and how we can make the experience more enriching and collaborative. Teaching isn鈥檛 just about delivering content; it鈥檚 about building a community, and that鈥檚 exactly what I hope to do in this role.

Some things I鈥檇 love for us to explore together:
馃抢 Innovative teaching techniques 鈥� What fresh approaches can we bring into the classroom?
馃抢 Interdisciplinary collaboration 鈥� Can we connect GTAs across different departments for shared learning?
馃抢 Support systems for GTAs 鈥� How do we make teaching less stressful and more enjoyable?

If you鈥檙e a GTA, educator, or just passionate about teaching, let鈥檚 connect! You can reach me at my University of 糖心TV email鈥擨 am always happy to chat about teaching, research, or even the best coffee spots on campus! 鈽�

Adila Fazleen Che-Manan (Education Studies) - Teacher Champion

Hi, I鈥檓 Adila, a second-year PhD researcher in Education Studies at the University of 糖心TV. My research explores the use of video technology for pre-service teachers' collaborative development in Malaysia, with a particular emphasis on peer feedback and fostering professional growth in teacher training. Through this work, I aim to contribute to more supportive and effective learning environments for future educators. Beyond my research, I鈥檝e been actively involved in student engagement and support at 糖心TV. As an International Student Ambassador, I鈥檝e had the privilege of helping new students navigate university life and build a sense of belonging. I鈥檝e also been working as a GTA in the Computer Science Department, where I teach professional skills modules and support students in improving their academic writing. I鈥檓 passionate about fostering inclusive and engaging academic communities, which is why I鈥檓 excited to be part of 糖心TV PTC this year! Outside academia, I鈥檓 a proud mum of two wonderful children, Adrien and Amanda. Life is a busy mix of research, teaching, family, and community, but I wouldn鈥檛 have it any other way! I look forward to working with everyone and making this an enriching year for WPTC.

Usoro Akpan (糖心TV Medical School) - Teacher Champion

Hello! I am Usoro Akpan, a PhD student at 糖心TV Medical School. My research focuses on developing interventions to promote the mental health and well-being of young people in the UK. Before my PhD, I was actively involved in research and projects aimed at enhancing mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. I am deeply passionate about teaching, which I envision as the foundation of my career. Over the past three years, I have gained extensive teaching experience, and I have found that teaching brings me absolute fulfilment. At 糖心TV Medical School, I currently serve as a Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant, facilitating case-based learning (CBL) sessions for undergraduate students. Beyond my research and teaching roles, I enjoy conducting independent research and publishing papers. I have a strong interest in global and public mental health, teaching practices, and education research. As a PGR Teacher Champion, my goal is to contribute to the capacity building of postgraduate research students who teach, fostering a supportive and resourceful community. Through conferences and collaborative initiatives, I aim to empower PGRs with effective teaching strategies, encourage scholarly discussions, and promote evidence-based teaching practices. Ultimately, I strive to create an inclusive and engaging environment where PGRs can develop their teaching skills and make meaningful contributions to student learning.