Meet Professor Jacquie Robson, Associate Deputy Executive Dean (Education) in our Faculty of Science and Project Lead for the Levelling Up: Aspire Higher Durham widening participation project. Champion of women in science, Chemistry and social mobility!

Jacquie has an incredible story to tell, all stemming from her passion for social mobility, science, and opening up the endless opportunities to more girls and women from all backgrounds.

Where did it all start?

I was the first in my family to attend university after attending a comprehensive school near Hull. Whilst STEM subjects were thoroughly encouraged at school, I found myself as one of only two girls in my A-Level Physics class once in sixth form. This was odd to me, and although my real passion was Chemistry, I knew at this point I wanted more girls like me to be involved in all sciences.

While the thought of university was daunting, I was actively encouraged to apply and followed my love of Chemistry, completing an undergraduate degree here at Durham. With a thirst for learning, I continued studying here for my PhD, where I found my calling! It was the demonstrating and teaching aspect of my roles that I enjoyed the most, so I made the decision to leave research behind and become a teacher.

Teaching

I am so passionate about the role of education in social mobility, providing younger children with the knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm to achieve their goals and ambitions.

I started my teaching career in the North East of England, as a secondary school Chemistry teacher – working in school while working towards Qualified Teacher Status. I progressed within school after five years, taking on the role as Deputy Head of Chemistry before taking the opportunity to become Head of Chemistry and Assistant Housemistress at another school in County Durham.

Supporting progression and social mobility

In 2010 I was incredibly honoured to be awarded a Royal Society of Chemistry School Teacher Fellowship, and from 2010-2011 I returned to  Durham University to work. The University had recognised the gap between A-Level and degree level learning and my role was initially to smooth the transition to university for all students – with a focus on redeveloping the laboratory courses to better reflect incoming students' experience and skills.

A continuing career

After my fellowship year, I stayed on at Durham as a teaching fellow, allowing me to continue to support our brilliant students.

I then became a Senior Teaching Fellow/Associate Professor (Teaching) and in 2020 became one of the first education-track professors in the Faculty of Science. I am immensely proud of this achievement, it’s a career path that enables me to continue to be ‘in the classroom’ doing what I love most whilst also being involved in larger projects to develop our curriculum more widely.

My work still focuses on smoothing the transition into, through, and from the undergraduate degree programme, concentrating on skills development in our students. I have also played a strong part in providing pastoral care, supporting students not just with their academic studies but also with their wellbeing and wider experience here at Durham. I conduct educational research to evaluate changes and to provide an evidence base for future developments.

As well as this role, I hold the role of Associate Deputy Executive Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Science - supporting the faculty with the development of their educational offer, based on experience, outreach and engagement with current students and colleagues from across the university.

Moving forwards

My passion for mobility is still what motivates me and has been a key driver in me leading the ‘Levelling Up: Aspire Higher’ programme here at Durham (and leading the Chemistry strand nationally).

Through the programme I, along with a team of incredibly inspiring colleagues in Maths and Physics, and a talented pool of staff, postgraduate and undergraduate tutors and mentors, support Year 12 and 13 students who are keen to progress to UG study in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics – with a strong focus on the North East of England (although the programme is open to any A-Level students), and especially those from underrepresented groups.

The online programme provides A-Level students with opportunities to develop their independent study skills, organises academic tutorials with postgraduates and staff, and mentor sessions with UG students who provide information, support and guidance to help making decisions about applying to and studying at university. The aim is to include the programme participants in the university and to help them feel a part of our great community at Durham.

Find out more about this programme.

Jacquie’s advice – if you have a passion, go for it! There is so much support out there to help you achieve your goals and be who you want to be and more!