Nisreen Alwan, Professor of Public Health, University of Southampton
Summary of career so far
Please see more information about me
What I can offer as a mentor
I have experience in the following areas:
1. Flexible/part-time working due to caring responsibilities as a parent of 3 children
2. International medical graduate working in the UK
3. Applying for fellowships
4. Academic career progression
5. Public engagement
Diana Baralle, Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Medicine, Professor Genomic Medicine and Consultant in Clinical Genetics, University of Southampton
Summary of career so far
I was born in Argentina, South America and come from a Latino background. I came as an immigrant to the UK as a child. I completed my undergraduate training at University College London (both B.Sc. and M.B.B.S) and my doctorate in the Department of Pathology in Cambridge. During this time, I also began and expanded my family and now work in academia and medicine with five children.
I have had a mix of fully clinical, fully research and a proportion of each type roles, holding an academic position at the University of Cambridge before my current appointment at the University of Southampton. My academic career has been transformed and supported by successful fellowship applications including a HEFCE senior lectureship and my current NIHR Research Professorship so that I now run a translational research group that drives forward functional genomics to improve clinical diagnosis. I investigate novel causes for rare disorders and in particular neurodevelopmental delay.
Since September I have been the Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Medicine, and am working to improve support for early career researchers and to champion our EDI agenda.
What I can offer as a mentor
As a mentor I can offer relevant expertise or knowledge of the academic pathway as well as the potential hurdles. I have an enthusiasm for sharing this expertise, particularly as my own experience of academia was not a smooth path. I am willing to be a sponsor and an empathic ear enabling a mentee to reach their full potential.
Lorna Hollowood, Lecturer in Nursing, University of Birmingham
After qualifying as an adult registered nurse in 2005 I had a 10 year clinical career in primary care, supporting patients in the community. I became a Specialist Practitioner in District Nursing and an educator, before moving into the specialist palliative care sector working both clinically and in an education role.
I have been in HE as a lecturer in both post graduate and pre-registration nurse education since 2015. I have embraced academia and am currently studying for my PhD – Exploring the experiences of the Windrush Generation in UK Care Homes. I am passionate about student experience and have a College Lead Role for Cultural Diversity allowing me to champion students from a diverse range of backgrounds. I also continue working with the clinical sector, with care homes and developing work addressing health inequalities as part of an academic board for the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review.
What I can offer as a mentor
As an experienced academic, but one with a different background in clinical practice I can offer support in people transitioning into higher education careers. I work full time, study part time and have a busy family like so am empathetic with those needing to address work-life balance challenges. Mentoring is embedded in nursing practice and something I have always been engaged in, both to students, staff and peers. I am also currently mentoring a young, Black schoolgirl for 12 months giving a me a fresh new perspective on the benefits of mentoring, for both mentee and mentor.
Dr Kanta Kumar, Associate Professor, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham & and Hon Professor, PGI, Chandigarh, India
In 2003 Kanta has developed a profile of research around the issues related to ethnicity in musculoskeletal practice and behavioural medicine. She has a track record of publications in this area of work. Her compelling body of work with minority ethnic populations living with rheumatological disease is having an impact and influencing the rheumatology community both in the UK and abroad. She has been awarded national awards for her work. She has been appointed as an Associate Professor in Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Birmingham. Kanta holds a Hon Professorship at PGI, Chandigarh, India. She is a member of the British Society for Rheumatology Educational Committee, an Advisor on the National Rheumatoid arthritis Society Medical Board (and the founder of NRAS Apni Jung (our fight) against rheumatoid arthritis), a member of the South Asian Health Foundation (Musculoskeletal). Kanta is an Associate Editor for the Arthritis Care & Research Journal.
What I can offer as a mentor
Mentoring for clinical academia
Mentoring for people from an ethnic background
Dr Shokraneh Oftadeh Moghadam, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Exeter
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Exeter. I completed my BSc in Psychology in 2016 and MSc Health Psychology in 2017 at the University of Southampton. I was awarded a PhD studentship in 2017, where I undertook the development and evaluation of a digital sleep intervention (SleepWise) aimed at adolescents. As part of my PhD, I designed, developed, and evaluated SleepWise across schools, colleges, and youth clubs. I undertook a feasibility trial with an embedded mixed-methods process evaluation to evaluate the intervention.
More recently, I have become a chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. My research focuses on the design, development, evaluation and implementation of complex behaviour change interventions for the prevention, management, and treatment of different health conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cancer). I am experienced in mixed-methods research and process evaluations, have a strong background in Health psychology, and have particular interest in digital and group-based health interventions.
What I can offer as a mentor
As a mentor, I can offer a friendly and non-judgmental environment to discuss matters and concerns regarding your current and future goals and ambitions. We will work together to plan and work through barriers and in the same way, celebrate your successes and achievements. I value honesty and a collaborative workstyle and appreciate diversity in perspective. I look forward to working together!
Dr Sean Hua Lim, Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant in Haematological Oncology, University of Southampton and Southampton University NHS Trust
After graduating from medicine in Bristol in 2001, I undertook my general medical training in London and the South of England, before specialising in Haematology. During this period, I was awarded an MRC clinical training PhD fellowship to study cancer immunology in Southampton. Upon gaining my PhD and completing my haematology CCST, I pursued a CR UK funded postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University, focusing on cancer immunotherapy. In 2015, I returned to Southampton to lead my own laboratory group, specialising in monoclonal antibody therapy in cancer. I am also a practising clinician, subspecialising in lymphoma.
What I can offer as a mentor
I am a clinician, a scientist, a mother of two young boys, and frequently an 'outlier' in many ways in a meeting room. As such, I feel I have a good understanding of the multitude of difficulties faced by clinical academics and am happy to advise on career choices and discuss work life balance.
Jou Yin (JY) Teoh, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Brunel University London
I am currently a Senior Lecturer and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lead for Occupational Therapy at Brunel University London. My primary EDI responsibilities are in the areas of Racial and Cultural Equity, Digital Accessibility, as well as Support for International and Migrant Students and Staff. I am also a Trade Union Representative for the Department of Health Sciences.
My teaching, research and graduate student supervision is focused on advancing social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in global healthcare workforce education and development. My work in this regard has received the University’s highest accolades for ‘exceptional contribution to teaching and student experience’. Additionally, my research on co-producing inclusive learning was also shortlisted for the Brunel University London 2022-2023 Research Impact Awards in the category of Educational Impact.
Some of my career highlights include:
- Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Learning and Development Board
- Fellow with the Council of Deans of Health, first occupational therapist to be appointed as part of the inaugural cohort (2022-2023)
- Professional Lead for Occupational Therapy at Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College (2016-2017), first woman of minoritized ethnoreligious background to be appointed in this position in the history of Malaysian Higher Education
- Pre-academia: occupational therapy entrepreneur with a special interest in social innovation for public health in the Global South; particularly in the integration of digital and community-centered approaches to build and run systems that contribute towards addressing disparities that affect health and well-being
What I can offer as a mentor
I have a track record of:
- mentoring clinicians looking to transition into an academic career in the UK
- supporting migrant academics to acculturate to workplace norms in the UK
In addition:
- My occupational therapy background equips me to advise on matters pertaining to disability i.e., supporting disabled academics or academics caring for disabled persons
- My entrepreneurial background also contributes a unique perspective to scrutinizing career trajectories including for people seeking alternatives to academia
Dr Pritti Aggarwal, Senior Teaching Fellow and GP principal, University of Southampton
I have had a wide variety of experience since qualifying as a doctor in 2000. I trained in Cardiff and then worked as a surgeon before starting as a GP in Southampton in 2005.
I have a special interest in training. I lead our dedicated Non-Principal GP team and train both undergraduate and postgraduate learners. I am the Deputy Director for Primary Medical Care (PMC) with the University of Southampton, training teachers and promoting General Practice to medical students.
What I can offer as a mentor
As a member of the Governing Body for Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the lead for Engagement for Primary Care I give GPs and practice nurses bi-monthly opportunities to update their skills, learn about new treatments and share good practice. I am also Vice Chair to the Wessex Faculty Royal College of General Practitioners, facilitating contact between GPs and hospital consultants within Southampton.
Dr Shema Tariq, Clinical Academic/Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health
Summary of career so far
I qualified in medicine in 1999 and have been working in HIV and sexual health since 2003. I am based at UCL's Institute for Global Health as a Clinical Academic where my work focuses on the health and wellbeing of women living with HIV across the life-course, HIV and digital health, and patient and public involvement in research. My PhD is in Public Health, and I have training in epidemiology and in medical anthropology. I combine my academic role with clinical practice in sexual health and HIV in one of the largest sexual health clinics in Europe.
What I can offer as a mentor
I am passionate about supporting people who identify as women and who are from racially minoritised communities to pursue academic careers. I have had training in coaching and mentoring skills, and have several years of experience in mentoring people in academia. My personal experiences of IVF, baby loss, and now working with two young children might be of particular relevance to potential mentees. I strive to co-create a safe and non-judgemental space in which to reflect on the messiness of home and work life.
Dr Olufikayo Bamidele, Research Fellow, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull
Summary of career so far
Please see more information about me here https://www.hyms.ac.uk/about/people/olufikayo-bamidele
What I can offer as a mentor
As a mentor, I would be happy to draw on my expertise and experience to guide and support my mentee with what they require to identify, develop and achieve their career goals, particularly in the area of health research. This will be achieved through monthly 1:1 informal meetings, two-way discussions, advice provision and signposting to useful and relevant resources that will empower the mentee to make informed decisions about their career development and choices.
Professor Oyinlola Oyebode, Professor of Public Health, Queen Mary University of London
Summary of career so far
I am trained in Public Health and hold an honorary contract with the Office for Health Improvements and Disparities alongside my academic role at Queen Mary University of London. I have two children in primary school.
What I can offer as a mentor
I am happy to discuss academic promotion or negotiating an academic career alongside family life (but I can't say I have got it all worked out myself!).
Dr Eiman Abdel Meguid PhD MBBS SFHE Fellow of the Anatomical Society, Senior Lecturer, Queen’s University Belfast
Summary of career so far
Eiman is a medical graduate and a Senior Lecturer of Anatomy at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), UK with expertise in human anatomy, embryology, and neuroanatomy. She is passionate about anatomical sciences education and is keen to actively support the education of her students. Eiman’s areas of professional interest include anatomical variation, multimodal teaching strategies, implementing innovative technology, audience response system in teaching, flipped classrooms and blended learning. She has published widely and presented at many international meetings that included invited talks. She conducts review sessions for clinical trainee revisiting the cadaveric anatomy labs whenever required. She is the Sole Academic Lead for Dental Anatomy Course, Co-lead for Musculoskeletal Unit 2 for the MB BCh BAO and MSc in Clinical Anatomy Programme. She has multiple publications in high impact journals and was an International Visiting Scholar/Guest Speaker for Weill Cornell Medicine, NY. Dr Abdel Meguid is the recipient of the Senior Faculty Award for best presentation at the AACA conference, 2022. She has previously acted as a member of the Career Development Committee of the American Association of Clinical Anatomy (AACA) and currently, she is a member of the Educational Affairs Committee of AACA. She is a reviewer for the Clinical Anatomy, BMC Medical Education and the Anatomical Sciences Education Journals. Through her membership of the Risk Management Group Committee at Royal College of Surgeons and previous role at the Research Ethics Committee at QUB, she gained lot of experience in reviewing and generating policies for educational and research-related activities. She is involved in peer mentoring as she is passionate about Staff Professional Career Development. Having spent many years teaching as a clinical anatomist, she is well placed to assist in producing resources that would assist the development of student education. The extensive experience she has gained, her international networking and her interest in tailoring teaching and research have equipped her with the necessary skills.
What I can offer as a mentor
I can offer support and guidance in career progression, professional development, publications and scholarship, CV writing, presentation in conferences, effective teaching, guidance on applications for SFHEA and many more.
Dr Dita Wickins-Drazilova, Associate Professor in Biomedical Ethics & Law, Birmingham Medical School
Summary of career so far
I have over 20 years of experience teaching and researching various areas of applied ethics, such as medical ethics, healthcare ethics, research ethics and animal and environmental ethics. I studies philosophy and sociology and environmental studies and have a PhD on the topic of applied ethics.
After several post-doc research posts at various UK universities, I was the Lead for Ethics in Dundee Medical School between 2013 and 2021. In September 2021 I was appointed as the Lead for Ethics and Associate Professor in Birmingham Medical School.
My current focus is in teaching, module development and leadership and management. I also became a co-lead for EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity) on the MBChB program.
What I can offer as a mentor
I am happy to share my experience of working in British universities for almost 20 years, as well as my experience of working in medical schools a non-clinical academic for over 10 years. I progressed through posts of part-time teaching and research assistant to post-doc researcher and lecturer to my current role of associate professor.
I can also share my experience of balancing my career with working in the UK as a foreigner, woman and mother.
Dr Theresa Munyombwe, Senior lecturer in Biostatistics, University of Leeds
Summary of career so far
I have more than 20 years of teaching and research experience. My career started in Zimbabwe working as a lecturer in Applied Statistics at the University of Zimbabwe (2002-2007). In 2008, I joined the University of Leeds, UK, School of Medicine, as a lecturer in Biostatistics. I studied for my PhD in Biostatistics part-time and completed in 2015.
As an academic, my work involves teaching, research, supervising PGR students, providing statistical support to clinical projects, and mentoring early career researchers. I have experience of teaching research methods, design and analysis of experiments, statistical modelling, applied statistics, systematic reviews and meta-analysis to undergraduate and post graduate students.
My research interests are in applying novel statistical methods to applied health research particularly the development and validation of prediction/prognostic models, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), and analysing longitudinal data. I have co-supervised more than 8 PhD students to completion, published more than 40 papers in peer reviewed journals and a CO-Investigator on 8 successful grants as statistical lead.
I am a member of the Royal statistical society (RSS, UK) and International society of quality of life (ISOQoL). Was an associate editor of the Quality of life research journal (2020-2021). More details about me can be found here.
What I can offer as a mentor
As a black female, an experienced academic, and a participant of the women in higher education now (WHEN) black female professor programme, I share my lived experiences in academia with my mentees and how I navigated the system. Since 1st July 2023, I have been the Athena SWAN lead for intersectionality in School of medicine at the University of Leeds. I am working to identify the barriers for career progression encountered by black females and practical solutions for these barriers.
I have experience in the following areas:
- Mentoring international PGR studying in the UK and Black females on the WHEN programme, UK.
- Applying for research grants.
- Grant, scholarships and journal articles reviewer.
- Academic career progression.
- Statistical support for PGR students and staff.