Since starting my PhD in 2007, I've lectured or demonstrated in a range of subjects — from palaeontology and geology fieldwork, to programming in C++ and structural geology. I've supervised PhD and masters' projects in a range of palaeontology topics (including early biomineralising animals, and CT/confocal analysis of early cellular fossils), animal locomotion, geochemistry of fossils, and the biomechanics and material properties of animal hard parts. There are more details of my teaching below, followed by an overview of my outreach work.

Manchester

At Manchester I coordinate and deliver the majority of the second year teaching in palaeobiology/evolution for our earth and environmental science degrees. This comprises two course units, rewritten in 2020 and delivered since using a blended learning approach. You can explore the online materials for these courses by clicking on the links below:

Link to course on Evolution and Palaeobiology

Link to course on Evolution and Palaeobiology

Link to course on Fossils

Link to course on Fossils

The unit EART22101 comprises seven websites combining videos, quizzes, and other learning materials on topics surrounding evolution, and ancient life. EART27201 has eight sites that focus on invertebrate macrofossils, and include 3D fossil models and the occasional virtual microscope. Materials are generally CC-BY and sources are always provided. There are other elements of course delivery provided through Blackboard (more quizzes, achievements to unlock) and – of course – in person, which aren't included.

I also teach on field courses with a focus on structural geology, igneous rocks, and mapping for second-year students (EART20300). In addition to these, I give small group tutorials, and help deliver or assess on a number of further modules:

  • EART10050 — Year 1 Tutorials: Geosciences
  • EART20300 — Field Courses — Scotland
  • EART20070 — Year 2 Tutorials: Geography/Geology
  • EART22101 — Evolution and Paleobiology
  • EART30000 — Independent Mapping / Independent project
  • EART30300 — Independent Project (Environmental sciences)
  • EART30882 — Advances in Palaeobiology
  • EART30991 — Geography/Geology Dissertation
  • EART40000 — Independent project

My teaching also includes the supervision of MEarthSci and MPhil projects, and PhD students.

Imperial

During my time at Imperial College as a PhD student, I conducted between 6 and 15 hours a week teaching as a graduate teaching assisstant for the following modules:

  • 2.09 — Life And Earth History
  • 2.16 — Structural Geology I
  • 2.27 — Surface Processes
  • 3.11 — Palaeontology
  • 3.16 — Structural Geology II
  • 3.23 — Computer Skills for Geologists
  • 4.14 — Structural Geology III
  • 4.22 — Computer Programming
  • 5.17 — Palaeobiology

Also at whilst Imperial, I: lectured on abiogenesis and early evolution for the fourth-year module Palaeobiology (5.17) and evolution for the first-year course Dynamic Earth (2.03); coordinated all Earth Science undergraduate demonstrating for an academic year; and was awarded Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year: Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College, 2011. I've helped teach 3 field trips a year since 2007, which included the Imperial College trips:

  • 2.05 — Introduction to Field Geology – Charnwood & Dorset
  • 3.25 — Field Geology III – Kinlochleven, Scotland
  • 4.03 — Field Geology IV – Sardinia (including reconnaissance work and establishing the scientific programme of the trip)
  • 4.24 — Independent Mapping – Assynt, Scotland (student supervision)

Training and outreach

Training

I regularly give software-training courses in Palaeoware packages (SPIERS, REvoSim, TREvoSim), as well as Blender, and Drishti. This has included the following institutions: the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin; Zoologische Staatssammlung, München; the University of Manchester; Natural History Museum, London; University College, London; the University of Bristol; Swansea University; University of Leicester; and Imperial College, London.

Outreach

As well as my research-led teaching, I contribute to events and give talks with the aim of explaining my science to a wider audience. I regularly give accessible talks to audiences with diverse backgrounds and experience; examples include regular Nature Live events at the Natural History Museum, London, and over 70 talks to prospective students at Imperial College and the University of Manchester, to organisations such as geology clubs and societies, and to A-level geology students. Furthermore, I also participate in public-outreach events. These include: regular stalls at Science Uncovered evenings at the NHM; events at the Birmingham Lapworth Museum and Manchester Museum; Manchester's DinoZone at the Cheltenham Science Festival, which had more than 13,000 visitors over the course of a week; and twice for the Royal Society's Summer of Science event. I have been featured in a Natural Environment Research Council podcast, and my research has appeared in publications including The Times, The Independent, the BBC news website, New Scientist and The New York Times — links are above. You can find information on written and other related outreach work on my journalism page.