I began thinking about the fellowship as a thing I should have, but didn’t realise how useful the learning process would be in my teaching design and delivery
(Photo: Professor Kerina Jones)
Hi, I’m Kerina Jones and I’m based at the Population Data Science department in the Medical School. I’m the academic lead for information governance and public engagement across Swansea-based initiatives including the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank. My work is mainly on Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) about using data about people for research, whilst safeguarding privacy. I’ve been teaching in Swansea for about 10 years. My academic background is in biochemistry and the most recent module I prepared was on the ELSI of applied genomics for the Masters in Genomic Medicine. I particularly enjoyed this as it allowed me to bring my areas of expertise together. As with many people, I began thinking about the fellowship as a thing I should have, but didn’t realise how useful the learning process would be in my teaching design and delivery. If this sounds a bit naïve, it’s because it probably was!
As with the proverbial puppy, the UKPSF standards are not just for your fellowship application! I’d recommend keeping them handy to inform all stages of teaching design, delivery and evaluation
As the timing worked out, I was preparing for my fellowship application at the same time as I was developing my genomics module. I found this very helpful as it prompted me to ensure I thought through all the dimensions and their criteria, and considered how to best incorporate them for the benefit of the learners and good professional practice. As with the proverbial puppy, the UKPSF standards are not just for your fellowship application! I’d recommend keeping them handy to inform all stages of teaching design, delivery and evaluation.
I didn’t find the application process particularly challenging, and you have the option to opt for an oral or written submission. Some disciplines tend to be wordier than others, but a point to remember is that it’s not about the quality of the prose, but the quality of the evidence you present. I found it a positive process and felt well-supported by SALT and my mentor, with constructive feedback from reviewers. I’d encourage you to apply.
