I am a Reader in the School of Psychology and Life Sciences
I earned my PhD in Plant Genetics from School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham and joined Geographical and Life Science Department in January 2014. After my PhD I went for a postdoc in the department of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University and very recently at the University of Missouri in Columbia in USA. I have spent a considerable time as a postdoc in the Division of Plant Science at University of Dundee (based at James Hutton Institute).
I think it is very useful, especially at the undergraduate level, to stimulate students by bringing into life theoretical concepts by exercises, field, and laboratory and computer sessions. This helps students to develop confidence and to understand the importance of theory and practice in solving practical problems. In addition, it stimulates discussion and active participation in classes. I believe that technical concepts must be continually accompanied by deep thinking by the students. It is then necessary to develop an educational agenda (keeping in mind the needs of different students) that allow students to develop logical thinking in pursuing their personal interests and developing a problem-solving attitude.
In summary, my teaching always respects individual capabilities/interests and I try to make topics interesting and engaging for all students in my classes. I think this helps students better understand their own strengths and weaknesses and enable them to make the best of their intrinsic capabilities and creativity in achieving different goals in their careers.
We are interested in understanding the epigenetic basis of alternative splicing (AS) and to what extent it contributes to transcript and proteome diversity in Arabidopsis.