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Faces of Reading

Gemma Peacock Headshot

Gemma Peacock, Lecturer

I have worked at the University of Reading in the Global Academy since 2019. I first came to Reading to teach temporarily on the summer Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme. I was living on a houseboat in Oxford at the time, after returning from some time teaching in South East Asia. I fell in love with the beautiful Whiteknights campus and met some very friendly and kind colleagues during that time. I was therefore very pleased to be offered a succession of further work in Global Academy after that summer, which resulted in my husband and I moving to Reading permanently. Shortly after this I secured a permanent lecturer position here.

I have held a variety of roles in Global Academy to date, including Assistant Programme Director for the Pre-sessional English (PSE) programme, and Academic Language and Literacy Liaison (post-graduate) for the Henley Business School. I have also been involved in the digitisation of teaching materials and the maintenance of online learning environments for both the Foundation programme (home students), the Pre-sessional English programme, and the Academic English programme. I am actively involved in the Technology Enhanced Learning community of practice. I also enjoy reviewing written submissions as part of the InForm journal editorial board here at the University.

Over the years, the University has given me the space and support to grow as a professional by offering me a wide variety of roles according to my particular skills and interests. I have mostly been working on full-time contracts at the University of Reading, however I have taken part-time contracts too. This flexibility has enabled me to focus on completing my own research for my MA dissertation, while still working and remaining part of Global Academy. I appreciated the flexibility with my hours and workload during that busy time.

I am currently studying part-time for my Doctorate in Education (EdD) here at the University of Reading, while working full-time at ISLI. It is a great comfort to me to feel secure in the knowledge that Global Academy will support me wholeheartedly in this endeavour.


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Joanne Dunster conducting her research

Joanne Dunster, Postdoctoral Research Associate

I'm a mathematician based in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research. It's a cross-disciplinary project. Working in a lab alongside biologists was something I couldn't resist. I love it – it's the best job I could ever hope to have.

My research is unusual as I do mathematical modelling of biological systems. I work alongside biologists, trying to use their data in novel ways.

I came to Reading in 2011 and have just done the first year of another three-year postdoctorate, which is funded by the British Heart Foundation.

I took up this change of career in later life. I was in the IT industry for a long time and did a degree with The Open University. I just loved studying mathematics so much, I decided to give up my career to do a PhD.

I live in Derbyshire, which makes life slightly complicated, but I work at home sometimes to alleviate some of the travelling. Mathematics is one of those lovely things you can do anywhere; on a train or at home. When I was offered the job, I mentioned the travel, and the University was really open to trying it and seeing how we got on – they've been great about it.

I would like to go on and get a permanent position, but I'm happy with what I'm doing; it's such a fascinating job.


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Carol Fuller outside the University

Carol Fuller, Professor

It was quite serendipitous how I entered higher education. I feel it has given me so many opportunities to develop as a person, but also to do research, work with other people, and go out and make a difference.

I grew up in Whitley, which is close to the University. I left school with not very good qualifications but ended up going to night school when I was a single mum. I loved studying and used to go as a hobby.

The tutors said I should think about going to university, so I applied to Reading and quit my job to do a sociology degree. I was 32, with children, and was surrounded by 18-year-olds. It was probably the hardest thing I did, trying to manage everything, but it was great.

I graduated in 2003, did a master's and went straight into a PhD. I got a scholarship, which meant my fees were paid in exchange for teaching. I got a job as a research assistant and then lecturer. I really didn't have a vision of where I was going, but every step of the way, I met people who encouraged me.

My current role is Professor in the Institute of Education, and I have a number of leadership responsibilities. My research focuses on aspirations, gender and widening participation. I like to do work and research that's empowering.

The University is made up of lots of different people from different backgrounds and situations. If you want to come, you can and you can make a success of yourself.

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Rav Savania

Rav Savania, Associate Professor (In Pharmacy Practice)

Having graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy, I was and always have been passionate about educating and teaching others. Having qualified I was placed into a large flagship store. The team needed a strong leader, someone whom they could confide in, support them and steer them towards the desired outcomes. I took on this role and set about achieving the best pharmacy team, placed at the heart of a thriving community, with patient-centred care as its purpose.  

It is this same level of energy and excitement that I brought into the classroom when I joined the University of Reading as a Pharmacist Teacher Practitioner in October 2013. In my early months I began leading on pharmacy practice lectures, workshops and seminars; utilising my knowledge, skills and experience from my role as a practising pharmacist. This added dimension meant that the students were forever in touch with the expectations on them as learners as well as future healthcare professionals. 

I currently work in the School of Chemistry, Food and Nutritional Sciences and Pharmacy in my role as a Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice and the Pharmacy Director of Teaching and Learning. I work with an inspiring, motivating and diverse team of academics who all pride themselves on producing a workforce who has the passion, drive and the motivation to deliver the patient-centred care and positive health outcomes. 

I am a British Indian and fall into the BAME category. I have been thoroughly supported in my time at the University of Reading, with opportunities to develop my leadership, assertiveness and overall management skills. I have been supported to develop and take on additional roles including module convenor, Pharmacy Director of Teaching and Learning and the University Chair for the Student Discipline Committee. The support and development at the University has enabled me to secure leadership positions elsewhere and in January 2021 I became a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Accreditation and Recognition Panel member.

The continued support I have received at the University of Reading enables me to bring my passion into the classroom and ensure that my enthusiasm converts into an inspiring learning experience. I take immense pride in witnessing the ‘light-bulb’ moment and take great pleasure in being part of the student’s journey. I am passionate about nurturing the next cohort of enthusiastic pharmacists, who hold ethics, patient health and values as close to their hearts as I do.

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Subjects A-B

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