Michelle joined London South Bank University in 2012 as a Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition. She is the course director for the BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition. As well as teaching nutrition, Michelle is a registered nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition -- which regulates nutrition as a profession in the UK. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, as well as a member of the Nutrition society. In addition, Michelle is the liaison representative for the Nutrition Society at LSBU.
What position do you hold at LSBU? What has been your career path so far?
In January 2012 I was appointed as a Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at London South Bank University. Prior to this appointment I worked at another university in Suffolk called University Campus Suffolk where I was a Lecturer in Nutrition and Human Health which was my first full time lecturing appointment.
From a young age I was always interested in science and was passionate about food and health. On completing my A-Levels I studied the BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition at London South Bank University. On successful completion of my undergraduate studies, I was employed by the Nutrition Research Centre at London South Bank University as a research assistant for 6 months. During this time I enjoyed the research activities I was involved in.
I then embarked on a PhD within the same research centre. Whilst undertaking my postgraduate studies I also did some part-time lecturing. It was at this point I decided my passion was sharing knowledge which was research informed and evidence based with students who were ambitious and keen to learn. Giving students a chance who may have not come from traditional backgrounds.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since joining LSBU in 2012 I have developed within my current role. In addition, to my role as the Course Director for the BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition programm, I have enhanced the personal tutoring system into a professional development system. The aim of this is that students reflect on their development of soft skills during their undergraduate studies and get in the habit of reporting how they develop as they progress through their course. The system is in place to encourage a smooth transition in terms of recording continuing professional development (CPD) in the workplace and enhance employability. On successful completion of the portfolio of evidence during their studies students a presented with a ‘Graduate Skills Certificate’ in addition to their degree transcript.
I also had an integral role in preparing the documentation to gain course accreditation of the BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition with the Association of Nutrition – which was achieved in May 2013. Such experiences as those above have given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills with regards to curriculum development and administrative duties.
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the LSBU team.
Since joining LSBU I am proud to be part of an institution who prides themselves on giving students from non-traditional backgrounds the opportunity to flourish within higher education. In particular, gaining professional course accreditation with the AfN in 2013 was a very proud moment. This assures students that the course meets AfN professional standards and makes the transitional process of becoming a fully registered nutritionist in the future an easier process.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I have had quite a few students from the Study Abroad scheme study my first and second year modules in Nutrition and Public Health. Feedback has always been positive. One students feedback ‘I enjoyed your module immensely. I am not used to the one-to-one support you have offered back home as some classes have hundreds of students’. This makes a big difference to the studying experience’.
