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Dr Alison Ackroyd

Lecturer at MidKent College

STEM Ambassador Trained to run a session Happy to be contacted by school
It is OK to be very individual in your choices. Don't be a sheep!
Dr Alison is a...

Developer

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Influencer

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Innovator

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About Dr Alison...

Who am I?

"I lecture in Applied Science at a large general further education and training college.For me, the ‘Explorer’ type represents the crossover between my first career path in scientific research and my present role in teaching. Being curious and needing to find out information are very much a part of my job. I'm friendly and, as a teacher, the ‘Coach’ personality type in me wants my students to excel. I also love using creative flair to bring my subject to life in the classroom. I am persistent and these days I find that the ‘Innovator’ type is becoming more prominent. It helps me to develop professional development resources for STEM in the workplace and creates opportunities for my students to increase their science understanding."

What do I do?

"As a lecturer in Applied Science at a large general further education and training college, my role is very varied. It's certainly never dull! My main role is to teach Applied Science to young people looking to progress onto University or into work. As well as this, I'm a STEM Ambassador and Employer Engagement champion at the college. I cultivate new links and invite visiting speakers to open up opportunities for my students. I've created professional development materials for her colleagues, as well as STEM activities and guidance for students. "

How did I get here?

"I studied Physics, Maths and Chemistry at A-Level. My Chemistry teacher suggested that she study Biochemistry at university and she graduated with a BSc. After this I completed a PhD follow by two years as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre in Dallas. On returning to the UK, I did part-time work as lecturer at a college with a starting salary of about £20,000, which I absolutely loved. After completing a PGCE I worked at another college for about nine years until taking a career break. I spent seven years away from the workplace looking after my three daughters and then returned to Further Education to bring her subject knowledge up to date. I still take my professional development very seriously, using the resources of STEM Learning to keep my subject knowledge current. I recently won Kent Technical / Vocational Teacher of the Year 2018! "

The life I live

"My spare time is always precious! I spend time with my family visiting interesting places and walking. I enjoy sewing and gardening. It makes me happy that I also have opportunity to arrange student trips or set up exchange programs for herself or her students through various organisations such as eTwinning or Science on Stage."

My typical day

"I might start by trouble-shooting, followed by preparing and delivering lessons. I liaise with technicians to prepare or develop practical activities. I have regular team meetings to review student and course progress, planning and development. I work closely with other members of staff on student welfare matters or with individual students to mentor them. I might also attend training to improve her subject and teaching knowledge, and liaise with external bodies for exams, outreach, progression and work placements."

My qualifications

"Physics, Maths and Chemistry at A-Level. Biochemistry BSc.Biochemistry PhD."