Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking, practical skills and real-world application in integrated pest management and entomology. I utilise problem-based learning with real-world pest management scenarios, field-based instruction, technology integration through data-driven practices, and strong industry partnerships to provide students with current challenges and solutions. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I am committed to evidence-based teaching practices and continuous professional development in pedagogy. I have consistently achieved excellent student feedback across all modules (4.9/5.0 average over 5 years), including a Student Voice Award for Assessment and Feedback (2024) and nomination for Innovative Lecturer Award (2025).

I have supervised 15 PhD students as Director of Studies or Second Supervisor (with 3 successful completions), 1 MPhil student to completion, and mentored 38 undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

Modules

LevelModuleDescriptionRole
6Invertebrate Pests and BeneficialsComprehensive overview of pest biology and management strategies, covering key invertebrate pest groups and their natural enemies in agricultural systems.Module Leader
7Insect Physiology and BehaviourIntroduction to insect biology covering life history strategies, sensory systems, and behavioural ecology.Module Leader
7Data Visualisation and AnalyticsIntroduction to data visualisation using R programming, teaching modern statistical approaches and graphical presentation for agricultural research.Module Leader
7Commercial and Practical BiocontrolOverview of biological control agents and their integration in crop protection systems, including regulatory considerations and commercial applications.Module Tutor