Sophie's Profile
Job title
Lecturer
Academic qualifications
RNutr, BSc, PhD
Job Role & Responsibilities
My current teaching role involves dissertation research support (Level 6), module leader, including developing lectures and marking work, personal tutor, supporting students pastorally and academically (Level 5), helping students gain experience and succeed while on placement (Level 5) and organising trips and outreach activities.
Telephone
Profile
I gained academic research expertise during my PhD at the University of Nottingham, conducted in collaboration with Danone Nutricia Research (Netherlands). This research was focused on improving the nutritional and sensory properties of high protein supplements for older adults. Here, I gained experience in planning and executing research trials with older individuals, managing a research project from start to finish, collaborating within a multidisciplinary team and working on research outputs (academic papers and conferences).
Outside of academia, much of my work within nutrition has been supporting individuals with undernutrition, from volunteering with a social enterprise in lower socioeconomic areas of Newcastle to providing nutrition support for individuals living with HIV in London. I also have experience working internationally, for example, on an aid feeding project with undernourished children in the Philippines. Other experience includes working in the private healthcare industry as a digital content executive, whereby I gained experience creating social media content and website material.
Alongside my current teaching role, I also work in a wider nutrition and dietetic team supporting bariatric patients pre and post surgery, which gives me valuable real-life insights and skills within the nutrition field that I apply to my academic teaching.
Teaching
Modules taught include:
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Personal and Professional Development
- Disease Modulation through Dietary Change
- Nutrition Communication
Research interests and scholarly activity
Recent publications include:
Lester, S. et al 2022. Factors affecting adherence, intake, and perceived palatability of oral nutritional supplements: A literature review. The journal of nutrition, health and ageing, 26(7)
External engagements
I supervise students on placement with numerous external charities and companies. I also work within a wider dietetic team as an nutrition advisor for a private healthcare company, supporting patients who will, or have undergone, bariatric surgery.