I joined the University of Reading in 2017 as a Lecturer in the Department of Real Estate and Planning, part of the Henley Business School; I was attracted by the department’s worldwide reputation. Since this time, I feel particularly grateful and happy to work in a collegiate, diverse, and supportive environment.
I have been at Reading since 1987; I started out as a Lab Technician and in the early '90s I got the opportunity to become a glassblower.
I'm the only glassblower on campus. I design, make, modify and repair scientific laboratory glassware for both teaching and research for the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy and other University departments, as well as outside companies.
In 2012 I joined the University and started teaching evening classes in Italian. In 2013 I was offered the chance to teach an Italian and Spanish course on the undergraduate programme of the Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP). This is a programme at Reading that enables students to learn a language as part of their degree or for personal development; it's also open to staff at the University.
I started with a few hours and now, after five years, I work as a teacher and module convenor for Spanish and British Sign Language (BSL). I've always been a teacher and like to pass on my knowledge and passion for languages to my students. I believe that "teaching skills make you skilful".
I work in the Department of Meteorology, researching major changes in climate in the past. Through this research we can understand the impact past climates had on prehistoric people, as well as the impact these people had on the climate.
My partner, Richard, is also an academic, which can make family life tricky because we both travel a fair bit and work rather long and odd hours. It helps, though, that the work is interesting and enjoyable, and that the University supports flexible working.
