Miss Constance Pritchard

(she/her)

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled science into the public spotlight in a way that we have never witnessed before. This global challenge forced the lay person to rapidly attempt comprehension of many scientific topics, such as fundamentals of coronaviruses and mRNA vaccines. Education systems were also forced to make swift changes to their methods of teaching in order to comply with governmental guidelines.

Under the supervision of Dr Nigel Francis and Prof. Steve Rutherford, I am researching how the biosciences are communicated, both to our students within Higher Education, but also to members of the public. Specifically, I am investigating:

• Which sources are used to portray scientific information, and how these sources assessed for trustworthiness 
• How participants rate their understanding of bioscience topics
• How students in Higher Education rate the teaching methods used to teach biosciences

Teaching

I am passionate about teaching across a broad range of bioscience modules, with a particular focus on physiology, genetics and bioinformatics. I strive to utilise best practices in teaching methods, and my pedagogic research compliments this excellently. By encouraging active learning, collaborative learning and kinaesthetic learning, I aim for my students to end the session feeling enthused and empowered to undertake their own independent learning.

I have acheived the status of Associate Fellow of Advance HE in recognition of attainment against the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in Higher Education.

My commitment to student-focussed teaching has been recognised through the nomination and shortlisting for the Enriching Student Life Awards, for which I am honoured.

Biography

2021 – Present
Teaching Associate and PhD Researcher in School of Biosciences, Cardiff University

2020 – 2021
Master of Research, Cardiff University. Population genomics and phylogeography of Rhesus macaques. Awarded Distinction and received the MRes Biosciences prize for Best Overall Student.

2018 – 2020
Speech and Language Therapy Technician, NHS. Predominantly working with patients who had had strokes, dementia, or Parkinson's disease.

2013 – 2018
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences with Professional Training Year, Cardiff University. Included 1 year working at Oregon Health and Science University in Tissue Engineering in Oregon, USA. Final Year Project focussed on the personal experiences and consequences of Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing. Awarded First Class Honours.

Honours and awards

• Shortlisted for Enriching Student Lives Awards, 2023

Professional memberships

• Member of Royal Society of Biology
• Associate Member of Advance HE

Speaking engagements

• Bioscience Education Summit, Nottingham Trent University, UK, September 2024
• FEBS Education Training Conference, Antalya, Turkey, March 2024

Committees and reviewing

• European University Association Learning and Teaching Thematic Peer Group 2024: Empowering Students