Speakers
Dr Emma Hargreaves
Workshop
Academic study comes with a unique set of challenges—from managing expectations and balancing workloads to handling complex supervisory and professional relationships. This interactive workshop will provide a space for students to reflect on their experiences, explore common challenges, and develop strategies for navigating academic environments more effectively.
Using Lego-based reflexivity exercises, participants will explore key themes, including:
Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, attendees will gain insights into their own academic journeys and learn how reflective practice can be a valuable tool for personal and professional development.
Dr Emma Hargreaves is the Director of Education and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent. With a deep commitment to improving student experiences in higher education, she is actively involved in the Educational and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) panels of the Biochemical Society. Emma’s research and teaching focus on innovative learning strategies, mentorship, and academic wellbeing. Passionate about supporting postgraduate students, she provides guidance on navigating professional relationships, managing work-life balance, and developing reflective practices. Through her work, she champions inclusive and supportive academic environments that empower students to thrive.
Donald has a BSc in Medical Sciences from Bradford University, MSc in Immunology at King's College London (KCL) and a PhD from MRC, Clinical Sciences Centre. As a post-doc, Donald worked in laboratories at Cancer Research UK and Imperial College London; in the latter he successfully obtained an MRC Career Development Award. He joined the Royal veterinary College (RVC), University of London in 2002 and is currently an Associate Professor in Immunology. Donald is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Immunology at Imperial College London, Visiting Lecturer at Cambridge University and University of East London and a Visiting Fellow for Reuben College, University of Oxford (one of the College’s inaugural Visiting Fellows).
His main research interest is focused on understanding the effect of age on the immune system and he teaches on several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and also supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. He is on the Editorial Board of various scientific journals and is currently a member of the British Society for Immunology (BSI) and the British Society for Research on Ageing. Donald was previously the Education and Careers Secretary for the BSI, a post he held for four years until June 2024.
Donald is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within academia and beyond, being actively involved in initiatives at his university along with being a member of both the MRC Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group which among its aim is to advise MRC on equality and diversity-related, and Health Data Research UK Black Intern Programme Advisory Group, which aims to provide employment opportunity for Black people within the health data science sector.
Donald is passionate about increasing scientific awareness amongst the general public and fellow scientist, and also to encourage young people to consider a career in science by regularly contributing to public engagement activities, speaking at schools, colleges, community events and scientific festivals. He also actively participates in the university’s widening participation events. Donald is also Co-Founder/Co-Director of Reach Society, an award-winning social enterprise which aims to inspire young people to fulfil their potential. Donald is a Professional Mentor for Amos Bursary and the Chair of Governors at a school in North-West London.