![\"Anna](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Young-A-30064-0011-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Charlotte-Dodson-low-res-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/1265D1EB-AA40-41C8-BC51-E1451111DB73-1-150x150.jpeg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/marianne-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>![\"Susie](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Susie-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nDr Anna Young, Lecturer<\/a> - Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/AnnaAndYellowCompressor-300x103.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nIt varies so much! My time is split between research, teaching and management. This week is the inter-semester break, so I am getting ready for the start of the Semester (I teach first-year fluid mechanics), while finishing off a proposal for some research (measuring turbulence in the sea). I\u2019m also taking part in a week-long workshop with some maths PhD students where we\u2019re looking into how maths could be used to solve some of the problems facing the tidal power industry. I really enjoy the variety in my job \u2013 I can spend the morning in a lecture theatre explaining how a wing works and then the afternoon in the wind tunnel actually measuring the flow over a wing.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/OrangeOveralls-225x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nNet Zero hangs over everything we do as mechanical engineers. Even a few years ago, it was possible to work on mechanical engineering problems without considering the sustainability aspect, but now that\u2019s built into all our research. As a colleague recently put it, in 2050 it\u2019s going to be illegal to use steel unless we work out a way of making it without emitting carbon. That\u2019s a pretty big challenge that permeates through everything we do.<\/p>\n
A few months ago, I started a network (Bath Beacon) of researchers from across the University who are interested in working together on offshore renewable power (wind, wave and tidal). I\u2019m hoping this will give us lots of new ideas for how we can help to make Net Zero a reality.<\/p>\n
And what are the big<\/span> opportun<\/span>ities?<\/span><\/h3>\nThe challenge of getting to net zero carbon emissions means we need a complete change in the way we weigh up different options in design, and it\u2019s opening up loads of new areas of research that were previously shelved as too difficult or not interesting enough. This means that new ideas are needed and new ways of thinking and so there is a chance to make a big difference in sectors that a few years ago looked like they would never change.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/AnnaAndNicoleByTheP3S-300x236.jpg\")
<\/a>In research, we\u2019re often trying to do things that nobody has done before, and so there\u2019s inevitably some uncertainty as to how to do things and whether what we\u2019re doing will work. I try to normalise that sense of uncertainty and to make sure people feel able to question my plans and suggest alternatives. This is especially important in teams where I\u2019m an expert in one aspect but the people I\u2019m working with may know far more about another part of the project.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nI hope they\u2019d see me as someone who tries to change things for the better and who is passionate about making sure that all our students succeed, whatever their background.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nI did my PhD with Rolls-Royce on how aircraft engines stall. Some of the work from my PhD went into a paper that won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u2019 Gas Turbine Award, which is the top prize in the field and has been given out every year since 1963. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, but I was the first woman to win that prize. Over the past ten years, I\u2019ve enjoyed applying my expertise from aerospace to a very different field: tidal power generation. They may seem like very different fields, but the physics is the same \u2013 a fluid is going through some spinning blades and power is being added to or removed from the flow.<\/p>\n
I<\/span>f you could give your younger self some career advice what would it<\/span> be<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\nKeep doing what you enjoy, and don\u2019t assume that everyone else knows more than you.<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nI like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/P1050379_cropped-300x216.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/DSCF6489-lanyards-300x173.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/IMG_8954-low-res-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/62EC2E64-A861-438F-9C3B-7ACE37FF9177-274x300.jpeg\")
<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/73C3DD74-8A92-4F8F-9AC1-E159C559C6D8-225x300.jpeg\")
<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/6BE8900F-F9B8-4453-B3AE-B097C3EDED27_1_201_a-196x300.jpeg\")
<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/ITT-300x200.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/SAMBa-team-300x207.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Allcohort2021Dec-300x152.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/a><\/p>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nIt varies so much! My time is split between research, teaching and management. This week is the inter-semester break, so I am getting ready for the start of the Semester (I teach first-year fluid mechanics), while finishing off a proposal for some research (measuring turbulence in the sea). I\u2019m also taking part in a week-long workshop with some maths PhD students where we\u2019re looking into how maths could be used to solve some of the problems facing the tidal power industry. I really enjoy the variety in my job \u2013 I can spend the morning in a lecture theatre explaining how a wing works and then the afternoon in the wind tunnel actually measuring the flow over a wing.<\/a><\/p>\nWhat are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nNet Zero hangs over everything we do as mechanical engineers. Even a few years ago, it was possible to work on mechanical engineering problems without considering the sustainability aspect, but now that\u2019s built into all our research. As a colleague recently put it, in 2050 it\u2019s going to be illegal to use steel unless we work out a way of making it without emitting carbon. That\u2019s a pretty big challenge that permeates through everything we do.<\/p>\n
A few months ago, I started a network (Bath Beacon) of researchers from across the University who are interested in working together on offshore renewable power (wind, wave and tidal). I\u2019m hoping this will give us lots of new ideas for how we can help to make Net Zero a reality.<\/p>\n
And what are the big<\/span> opportun<\/span>ities?<\/span><\/h3>\nThe challenge of getting to net zero carbon emissions means we need a complete change in the way we weigh up different options in design, and it\u2019s opening up loads of new areas of research that were previously shelved as too difficult or not interesting enough. This means that new ideas are needed and new ways of thinking and so there is a chance to make a big difference in sectors that a few years ago looked like they would never change.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>In research, we\u2019re often trying to do things that nobody has done before, and so there\u2019s inevitably some uncertainty as to how to do things and whether what we\u2019re doing will work. I try to normalise that sense of uncertainty and to make sure people feel able to question my plans and suggest alternatives. This is especially important in teams where I\u2019m an expert in one aspect but the people I\u2019m working with may know far more about another part of the project.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nI hope they\u2019d see me as someone who tries to change things for the better and who is passionate about making sure that all our students succeed, whatever their background.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nI did my PhD with Rolls-Royce on how aircraft engines stall. Some of the work from my PhD went into a paper that won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u2019 Gas Turbine Award, which is the top prize in the field and has been given out every year since 1963. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, but I was the first woman to win that prize. Over the past ten years, I\u2019ve enjoyed applying my expertise from aerospace to a very different field: tidal power generation. They may seem like very different fields, but the physics is the same \u2013 a fluid is going through some spinning blades and power is being added to or removed from the flow.<\/p>\n
I<\/span>f you could give your younger self some career advice what would it<\/span> be<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\nKeep doing what you enjoy, and don\u2019t assume that everyone else knows more than you.<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nI like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nNet Zero hangs over everything we do as mechanical engineers. Even a few years ago, it was possible to work on mechanical engineering problems without considering the sustainability aspect, but now that\u2019s built into all our research. As a colleague recently put it, in 2050 it\u2019s going to be illegal to use steel unless we work out a way of making it without emitting carbon. That\u2019s a pretty big challenge that permeates through everything we do.<\/p>\n
A few months ago, I started a network (Bath Beacon) of researchers from across the University who are interested in working together on offshore renewable power (wind, wave and tidal). I\u2019m hoping this will give us lots of new ideas for how we can help to make Net Zero a reality.<\/p>\n
And what are the big<\/span> opportun<\/span>ities?<\/span><\/h3>\nThe challenge of getting to net zero carbon emissions means we need a complete change in the way we weigh up different options in design, and it\u2019s opening up loads of new areas of research that were previously shelved as too difficult or not interesting enough. This means that new ideas are needed and new ways of thinking and so there is a chance to make a big difference in sectors that a few years ago looked like they would never change.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>In research, we\u2019re often trying to do things that nobody has done before, and so there\u2019s inevitably some uncertainty as to how to do things and whether what we\u2019re doing will work. I try to normalise that sense of uncertainty and to make sure people feel able to question my plans and suggest alternatives. This is especially important in teams where I\u2019m an expert in one aspect but the people I\u2019m working with may know far more about another part of the project.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nI hope they\u2019d see me as someone who tries to change things for the better and who is passionate about making sure that all our students succeed, whatever their background.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nI did my PhD with Rolls-Royce on how aircraft engines stall. Some of the work from my PhD went into a paper that won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u2019 Gas Turbine Award, which is the top prize in the field and has been given out every year since 1963. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, but I was the first woman to win that prize. Over the past ten years, I\u2019ve enjoyed applying my expertise from aerospace to a very different field: tidal power generation. They may seem like very different fields, but the physics is the same \u2013 a fluid is going through some spinning blades and power is being added to or removed from the flow.<\/p>\n
I<\/span>f you could give your younger self some career advice what would it<\/span> be<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\nKeep doing what you enjoy, and don\u2019t assume that everyone else knows more than you.<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nI like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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The challenge of getting to net zero carbon emissions means we need a complete change in the way we weigh up different options in design, and it\u2019s opening up loads of new areas of research that were previously shelved as too difficult or not interesting enough. This means that new ideas are needed and new ways of thinking and so there is a chance to make a big difference in sectors that a few years ago looked like they would never change.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>In research, we\u2019re often trying to do things that nobody has done before, and so there\u2019s inevitably some uncertainty as to how to do things and whether what we\u2019re doing will work. I try to normalise that sense of uncertainty and to make sure people feel able to question my plans and suggest alternatives. This is especially important in teams where I\u2019m an expert in one aspect but the people I\u2019m working with may know far more about another part of the project.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nI hope they\u2019d see me as someone who tries to change things for the better and who is passionate about making sure that all our students succeed, whatever their background.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nI did my PhD with Rolls-Royce on how aircraft engines stall. Some of the work from my PhD went into a paper that won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u2019 Gas Turbine Award, which is the top prize in the field and has been given out every year since 1963. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, but I was the first woman to win that prize. Over the past ten years, I\u2019ve enjoyed applying my expertise from aerospace to a very different field: tidal power generation. They may seem like very different fields, but the physics is the same \u2013 a fluid is going through some spinning blades and power is being added to or removed from the flow.<\/p>\n
I<\/span>f you could give your younger self some career advice what would it<\/span> be<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\nKeep doing what you enjoy, and don\u2019t assume that everyone else knows more than you.<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nI like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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<\/a>In research, we\u2019re often trying to do things that nobody has done before, and so there\u2019s inevitably some uncertainty as to how to do things and whether what we\u2019re doing will work. I try to normalise that sense of uncertainty and to make sure people feel able to question my plans and suggest alternatives. This is especially important in teams where I\u2019m an expert in one aspect but the people I\u2019m working with may know far more about another part of the project.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nI hope they\u2019d see me as someone who tries to change things for the better and who is passionate about making sure that all our students succeed, whatever their background.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nI did my PhD with Rolls-Royce on how aircraft engines stall. Some of the work from my PhD went into a paper that won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u2019 Gas Turbine Award, which is the top prize in the field and has been given out every year since 1963. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, but I was the first woman to win that prize. Over the past ten years, I\u2019ve enjoyed applying my expertise from aerospace to a very different field: tidal power generation. They may seem like very different fields, but the physics is the same \u2013 a fluid is going through some spinning blades and power is being added to or removed from the flow.<\/p>\n
I<\/span>f you could give your younger self some career advice what would it<\/span> be<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\nKeep doing what you enjoy, and don\u2019t assume that everyone else knows more than you.<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nI like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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I did my PhD with Rolls-Royce on how aircraft engines stall. Some of the work from my PhD went into a paper that won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u2019 Gas Turbine Award, which is the top prize in the field and has been given out every year since 1963. I didn\u2019t realise at the time, but I was the first woman to win that prize. Over the past ten years, I\u2019ve enjoyed applying my expertise from aerospace to a very different field: tidal power generation. They may seem like very different fields, but the physics is the same \u2013 a fluid is going through some spinning blades and power is being added to or removed from the flow.<\/p>\n
I<\/span>f you could give your younger self some career advice what would it<\/span> be<\/span>?<\/span><\/h3>\nKeep doing what you enjoy, and don\u2019t assume that everyone else knows more than you.<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nI like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
I like getting out and enjoying the countryside around Bath \u2013 I moved here from Cambridge, so the hills are a nice change (except when I\u2019m cycling, then they are hard work!) I also have a cat, KJ (short for Katherine Johnson), who keeps me entertained.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve been here for 3 years now, and I keep meeting people from across the University who are keen to discuss research and see how we can collaborate. Engineering is increasingly multi-disciplinary, and I think Bath is really good at getting people to work together across subjects on the big problems facing the world.<\/p>\n
Dr Charlotte Dodson<\/a>, Pharmacy and Pharmacology<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Please describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nDuring termtime, a typical week is scrambling around trying to complete the short-term aspects of my job (teaching, marking, administration, responding to e-mails) while trying to make the long-term aspects (research) stay on the to-do list. I\u2019m on maternity leave at the moment, but last year I managed to spend some blocks of time in the lab building a microscope and I gave myself a relaxing treat by spending ~2 weeks writing computer code for a background project I was scoping out. Out of term, the theory is that I can spend my time thinking about research and looking after my research students, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worked out like that yet. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve got the balance right yet!<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nSo many challenges \u2013 including coming back from maternity leave two years into a global pandemic in a world where childcare or in person schooling can be withdrawn with minimal notice, but the day job carries on. There is data that the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in science (eg around gender or caring responsibilities) and there has also been a particular impact on staff employed on fixed term contracts (most laboratory researchers). We are all judged on our outputs, but poor output for a researcher can easily translate into poor employment prospects when the contract comes to an end. Funding competitions and hiring are incredibly competitive \u2013 particularly in the biological sciences \u2013 and this can essentially end a career. As academics, our challenge is to progress our own research, while also keeping the careers of individual researchers afloat and working to ensure that the structures we use to measure success at all levels are flexible enough to resist entrenching inequality even further.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nMore and more people are becoming interested in protein dynamics \u2013 which parts of proteins are structurally stable, which parts move, and how fast or slow their motion is (my scientific niche). This means that more tools are being developed, and there are more people to talk to. The big opportunity is to take these tools (which are pre-commercialisation and developed mainly by researchers from the physical sciences) and apply them to research questions with the eyes of a biologist or the eyes of an applied physical scientist. Molecular shape and interactions underpin much of biology and these are studied routinely. However, time is equally important, and protein dynamics are key to understanding how large proteins are regulated, how they carry out their biological function, and also how we can interrupt that function eg with small molecule drugs.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
As a group leader my staff are researchers and research students and I\u2019m lucky that they are motivated because they have actively chosen to work in my group. Beyond this, I think it starts with a combination of me knowing what we are aiming to do within the project and listening. I provide technical assistance, but also I try to align what I am asking of someone with their own ambitions. Occasionally this can take some effort \u2013 a long time ago I worked in sales and I think there are quite a few parallels.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nInquisitive, creative, technically rigorous and fair.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nMy first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
My first postdoc (with Richard Bayliss at the Institute of Cancer Research) was what made me fall in love with academic research. Scientifically, I really enjoyed having a research fellowship at Imperial College London \u2013 there was structured support within the programme, I discovered the joy of having the freedom to choose the direction in which the research in my group went, and we published some of the best science of my career. (It was also really stressful as it was fixed term and I had no career security, but that\u2019s a different conversation\u2026)<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood teachers are worth their weight in gold (seek them out), but remember that lots of people either can\u2019t or forget to teach you what you need to know. You need to be alert to spot when they\u2019re messing it up, decide what you need and be prepared to teach yourself.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nPrior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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Prior to children(!) and prior to Bath, I sang in a chamber choir. Now I probably sleep \u2013 although I can tell when I\u2019m relaxed at the weekend because I catch myself spending the afternoon cooking something slightly time-consuming for dinner.<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nI really like the way that the university is small enough to form personal connections with colleagues across different academic departments and professional service teams.<\/p>\n
Dr Marianne Harkins<\/a>, Science Technical Services<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Please describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nThere is no typical week for the Faculty of Science Technical Team, but there is always an interesting mix of day-to-day operations and new challenges that come our way. We support and enhance teaching and research, and as part of this provision are responsible for the smooth running of a range of communal and bespoke research facilities.\u00a0 \u00a0These research spaces are looked after 365 days per year, come rain or shine, or as has been the case in recent years, a pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0 During term-time, our team prepare for and support our practical classes and it was a great to have students back in our teaching laboratories when guidance allowed.\u00a0 Linked in with research and teaching, we promote and communicate good health and safety practices, and safety is at the front of our minds in all we do.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nAs you can see from above, the support we provide is wide-reaching.\u00a0 Ensuring technical time is used as effectively as possible to support competing demands across our departments, is one of my top priorities.\u00a0 An additional challenge is to ensure that the critical contribution made by the Technical Team is recognised at a University level.\u00a0\u00a0 The Technician Commitment Initiative focuses on the themes of visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability and is a platform we use to promote the work of all technical staff.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nI\u2019m currently working on a skills-profile for our team. \u00a0Even after working with some people for many years, it\u2019s highlighted some lesser known techniques and expertise within the team, that may not be visible from the outside.\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring we make the very best of the technical skills our team has to offer and tying this in with CPD provision, will be a real positive for the team and those we support.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
I make sure people feel appreciated for the important part they play in the technical and wider University team and always give credit where it\u2019s due.\u00a0 \u00a0Knowing what is expected of us in terms of our roles is key to people\u2019s wellbeing at work, and myself, Ewan Basterfield and Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano (our Technical Supervisors) work hard to make this a priority.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nSome of the team poke fun at me as I\u2019m always zipping around, but apart from \u2018busy\u2019, I hope they would think of me as someone who gets things done and who has time for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s also important to me that I am seen as someone who both recognises and promotes the valuable work that they do.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nLooking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Looking back on all of the positive changes during my time in FoS keeps me motivated in my current role and it\u2019s really the day-to-day wins and humans, rather than the big moments, that have kept me in my current and previous posts. \u00a0Seeing people go above and beyond makes me proud to work here.\u00a0 Interviewing a person and some way down the line thinking \u2018what a cracking appointment,\u2019 is always a great feeling.\u00a0 I get a great sense of satisfaction when good planning results in a project running smoothly and on-time.\u00a0 I love having problem to solve and also seeing the big impact small, positive changes can make to operations.\u00a0\u00a0 Recently, the way people in our departments embraced regulations and logistics, in order to get research back up and running after the first lockdown, made me appreciate the enthusiasm and drive of the people around me.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be? <\/span><\/h3>\nThat there are lots of different paths you can take, to get where you want to be. There are so many free resources out there for pretty much any subject you\u2019re interested in or puzzle you\u2019re trying to solve; go for it with the CPD.\u00a0 There really are other people out there who love H&S like you do!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\nI go on adventures with my children and partner, who are my biggest happiness.\u00a0 I run, swim and attempt to kick box.\u00a0 After spending time with Chris Vennard on our team, I was inspired to do an entomology course in the lockdown. \u00a0 I\u2019m interested in classification and like to potter about outdoors, trying to figure out what is what.\u00a0 Along with Sarah Hunter our H&S Coordinator, I\u2019m learning French.\u00a0 Merci to Fabienne Pradaux-Caggiano for her patience with this!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re a bit like ants.\u00a0 We all have our own part to play in the bigger picture and without any one group of staff, things would not go nearly as smoothly!<\/p>\n
Professor Linda Newnes<\/a>, Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\nPlease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Please describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span><\/h3>\nMmmm a typical week \u2013 If I am being honest there is not really a typical week!\u00a0 Which I like as I enjoy variety.<\/p>\n
During a week I tend to do various activities and they range from undergraduate lecturing, supervising undergraduate student projects, managing research grants, discussing ideas with researchers, working with industry to overcome challenges they are facing and paperwork \u2013 although usually digital paper work.\u00a0\u00a0 I also get the opportunity to visit amazing places and work across the world.<\/p>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\nWorking across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nFair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nGaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nGood choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\nP<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nI have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. <\/a><\/p>\n\n- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of SAMBa<\/a>, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematical Sciences. SAMBa is a huge enterprise with well over 100 current and graduated postgraduates. It requires continual engagement with multiple stakeholders, particularly the postgraduate cohort, to ensure its continued success. This week we have hosted our 15th<\/sup> Integrative Think Tank<\/a> (back in person, which has been wonderful!), which are our flagship problem formulation workshop.<\/li>\n
- Developing and delivering multiple activities to improve research culture, diversify the community, and improve the working environment. I am a passionate believer that diversity leads to a better workforce and more creative thinking. I am also a founding member of the PRISM<\/a> network,which supports those of us who work in hybrid roles between research and administration.<\/li>\n
- Supporting a broad range of research activity, primarily in Mathematical Sciences. It is essential for the effective delivery and legacy of SAMBa that we have a thriving research community in the department. In recent years I have been heavily involved in writing successful grant applications (e.g. Reimagining Recruitment<\/a>, Capacity Building in Mongolia<\/a>), as well as our REF return which I have enjoyed.<\/li>\n
- Working on international partnerships, particularly with collaborators in Mongolia, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay and Germany. Prior to the pandemic, I used to get to do quite a lot of international travel and it was such a great way to see the impact of mathematical sciences research and the benefits accrued from international collaboration.<\/li>\n
- I also have a role overseeing all the Centres for Doctoral Training at the University. The aim is to drive initiatives to generate added value to the whole portfolio but The pandemic has meant we have been working together to make sure we continue to support our postgraduate cohorts and find new ways to deliver the goals of the CDTs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\nAs the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nSAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\nI am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\nThis is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\nOne of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n
In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\nIf you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\nA few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\nReading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nOf course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Working across industry sectors and with diverse disciplines to create a process for the uptake of digital tools that have people at the core \u2013 a human centred approach to digitalisation.<\/p>\n Fair and honest and fun!\u00a0 Oh and probably a chocoholic.<\/p>\n Gaining promotion to become the first female Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Bath. But, the highlights are really the support I get from a great team and seeing PhD students, researchers become even more successful \u2013 these highlights never stop.<\/p>\n Good choice choosing Engineering.\u00a0 This is a career path that opens up so many opportunities - it is so much fun and you will never get bored!<\/p>\n When I joined Bath, I went on \u2018gut\u2019 feel \u2013 did it feel like a place you would want to work at?\u00a0 Obviously, the answer was yes.\u00a0\u00a0 The answer was yes because Bath has a dynamic that is not easily replicated and often difficult to achieve at sprawling institutions.\u00a0 The people at the University of Bath have a willingness and ease for working between disciplines, Departments, Schools and Faculties.\u00a0 \u00a0I started in my first year here working with Pharmacy and Pharmacology and with the School of Management \u2013 this laid the foundations for all the transdisciplinary work that we undertake.\u00a0 Bath just has that collegiate feel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n I have a really varied job that is completely different from one week to another. As the University sector faces more and more financial pressures, it becomes more difficult to find money to invest in research. Research delivers over medium to long timescales and the benefits often can\u2019t be measured easily \u2013 investment in a research sabbatical could spark a collaboration that 10 years later leads to the Fields Medal or a Nobel Prize, but there is no way this can be predicted and, when budgets are tight, it often means that the initial investment is not made. However, this is likely to have a detrimental effect later.<\/p>\n SAMBa is a great example of how to enable a department can through investment in postgraduate research and training. We have created a brand where we are not only known for the quality of our training and research but also our successful external collaborations, supportive environment, and emphasis on diversity. It feels like we have reached a critical mass where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts and this has a hugely positive impact on the whole department. It would be great to replicate this across more of the University. Whilst other places are hesitating over investment in postgraduates, the institution has the opportunity to initiate schemes to identify us as a sector leader, attract top quality PhD candidates, and drive a positive research culture that will surely generate some excellent innovation and impact.<\/p>\n I am a great believer in empowering people. Of course this should be a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking for help or advice if required, but there is no way that we could have made such as success of SAMBa if the team weren\u2019t continually using their initiative, coming up with new ideas, and implementing them. Not everything works of course but that\u2019s OK \u2013 we learn a lot from the experience and in the long run the successes far outweigh the failures.<\/p>\n This is a really difficult question! I hope that they would think of me as someone who \u2013 in a variety of different ways, working effectively with different people \u2013 makes good things happen.<\/p>\n One of the things I have learned during my time in SAMBa is that often I get the most satisfaction looking back over a period of time, and what has been achieved rather than individual successes. Research and training is very often about a succession of ideas and innovations that build upon each other. When I reflect on what we have achieved as a whole with SAMBa I feel so proud and I do believe that we have positively influenced postgraduates and staff, both in delivery of research and personal experience.<\/p>\n In 2018, I was nominated by colleagues \u2013 and won \u2013 the University\u2019s Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellenc<\/a>e. Being recognised and valued by those I work closely with, and them taking the time to make the nomination was absolutely wonderful.<\/p>\n A few years ago, I made the conscious decision to try not to write or say the words \u201cI think\u201d. It is so easy to start a sentence this way, but it immediately makes your audience believe that you don\u2019t know your subject thoroughly. I am sure this has improved how others respond to me, but it has also helped with how confident I feel \u2013 just the process of challenging myself to decide whether I \u201cthink\u201d or \u201cknow\u201d has made me aware of how much expertise I have gathered over the years. It would have been nice to have realised this sooner!<\/p>\n Reading or walking are my favourite ways to spend my free time. I do enjoy listening to the cricket whilst doing both of these things, but that has certainly not been relaxing of late!<\/p>\n Of course it is the people \u2013 for me, job satisfaction is all about people. Great people are everywhere of course but here at Bath, it feels like it is easier to connect those people. I\u2019ve been able to initiate research collaborations just through having people I know either side of me in the queue for coffee. The physical infrastructure of the University, and the embedded culture of embracing interdisciplinary research, enables partnerships to form in a much more effective way than more diffuse institutions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science I am proud to host a series of interviews with inspiring female leaders who are part of our Bath community. #February11 is for everyone and an opportunity to...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1673,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/108\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-2022-02-08-at-16.36.27.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1673"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/a>The research I undertake is transdisciplinary \u2013 where we work with industry and \u00a0many disciplines such as; policy, science, management, engineering.\u00a0 \u00a0One of the biggest challenges we are facing is to realise the potential of digitalisation and to increase the adoption of digital tools within Manufacturing. \u00a0We know that there are amazing digital tools available, however, one of the biggest challenges and opportunity is ensuring these are people-led.\u00a0 So rather than people equipping the digital tools we need to be equipping the people.\u00a0 This leads us to amazing opportunities in particular with our industry partners.<\/p>\nAnd what are the big opportunities?<\/span><\/h3>\n
As a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>I try to be upfront, honest, supportive and provide opportunities.\u00a0 I am sure I can improve but ultimately, I aim to be fair and encouraging and more importantly have fun!\u00a0 Work has to be enjoyable.<\/p>\nHow do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Training, working and doing tests with our dogs.\u00a0 My husband, Merv and I have four Labradors between us and would never be without a dog again.\u00a0 They do keep you busy and on your toes!<\/p>\nWhat do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Dr Susie Douglas<\/a>,\u00a0 SAMBa<\/h3>\n
P<\/span>lease describe a typical week in your working life.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
What are the biggest challenges your area of work is facing right now?<\/span><\/h3>\n
And what are the big opportunities?<\/span>
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\nAs a leader how do you get the best out of your staff?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How do you hope your colleagues would describe you?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Highlights of your career so far?<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you could give your younger self some career advice what would it be?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How do you relax away from work?<\/span><\/h3>\n
What do you believe is special about the University of Bath?<\/span>
<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n