Alisha Rodgers (School of Engineering) - Teacher Champion

I am Alisha, a final-year doctoral candidate at the School of Engineering, University of Warwick. My research focuses on investigating ethnicity-related disparities in student academic attainment, with particular emphasis on the experiences of undergraduate engineering students. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, my work seeks to uncover the complex factors contributing to these disparities.

During my time at Warwick, I have held the role of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), supporting laboratory sessions and workshops across multiple undergraduate modules. I attained the status of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) in recognition of my completion of the Academic and Professional Pathway for Postgraduate Researchers who Teach (APP PGR) during the academic year 2022/23.

As of this academic year, 2024/25, I feel privileged to be a Student Fellow of the Warwick International Higher Education Academy (WIHEA), where I actively contribute to several learning circles and engage in education-focused initiatives across the University. Further, now embarking on this new post as a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Teacher Champion, I look forward to applying my pedagogical expertise while gaining valuable skills, connections, and experiences along the way, contributing to the wider higher education learning community and beyond.

Clarissa Muller-Kosmarov (Philosophy) - Teacher Champion

Hi, I’m Clarissa a final year PhD candidate in the Philosophy Department. My doctoral research focusses on the emergence and experience of othering (the construction of certain people as “other”), which I present as the exercising and effects of a particular kind of perceptual and interpretative practice. Beyond my dissertation, I’m also interested in the philosophy of disability – particularly the philosophy of neurodivergence – and social epistemology. I’ve been working as a GTA in the Philosophy Department for the past few years, teaching modules such as Feminist Philosophy, and recently joined the Department’s ‘Writing Support’ team where I provide students with one-on-one advice on how to improve their academic writing. Both my research interests and approach to teaching are informed by my lived experiences of being a queer AuDHDer, and genuine inclusivity is of the utmost importance to me in all my academic and pedagogical pursuits.

Meifang Zhuo (Applied Linguistics) - Teacher Mentor

Hi, I'm Meifang Zhuo Link opens in a new windowa last-year PhD student in Applied linguistics. My research centred on supporting language teachers’ professional development by conducting classroom research. I have been contributing to various courses (MA TESOL; short courses; PhD Research methods) at the University of Warwick. Additionally, I have been acting as dissertation supervisor for MA TESOL courses at the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds. I am passionate about innovative learning and teaching methods and believe in the significance of supporting inclusive and empowering education in every possible way. I identify myself as part of WPTC and consider it an important platform to network, co-create, contribute, inspire, and support other GTAs at Warwick.

Areesh Fatmee (Warwick Medical School) - Teacher Champion

Hi! Hola! Salaam! I am Areesh Fatmee, a first-year PhD student at the Institute of Global Pandemic Planning at Warwick Medical School, based at Gibbet Hill. My research focuses on identifying sustainable strategies to eliminate measles transmission in the UK. I've been deeply involved in research since my sophomore year of undergraduate studies, and it has continually enriched my life, bringing purpose and profound satisfaction.

Beyond research, I am passionate about capacity building. I deliberately use the term 'capacity building' instead of 'teaching' because it reflects my commitment to empowering others rather than simply transferring knowledge. Outside my academic work, you'll often find me reading scientific papers (it might not sound thrilling, but trust me, it truly is!), traveling, or just being a helping hand to people around me.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant at WMS, facilitating case-based learning for undergraduate students, and supervising professional project for MPH students. Additionally, in my role as a PGR Teacher Champion, I advocate for and support the continuous professional development of postgraduate researchers involved in teaching, promoting best practices and enhancing the teaching experience at the University of Warwick and in life beyond the campus!

Arpit Jindal (Chemistry/Life Sciences) - Teacher Champion

Hello! I’m Arpit, a PhD researcher with the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP), based in the Department of Chemistry and School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. My research revolves around breaking down lignin (yes, the super tough stuff in plants) into high-value compounds. Think of it as finding treasure in plant waste—except instead of gold, I’m after sustainable biochemical solutions!

Before Warwick, I spent a lot of time in labs in India, not just doing experiments but also teaching—from leading lab demonstrations to engaging in classroom discussions. Teaching has always been an integral part of my academic journey, and I am excited to bring that experience into my role as a PGR Teacher Champion.

I’m particularly keen to learn from current Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) at Warwick—what works, what doesn’t, and how we can make the experience more enriching and collaborative. Teaching isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about building a community, and that’s exactly what I hope to do in this role.

Some things I’d love for us to explore together:
📌 Innovative teaching techniques – What fresh approaches can we bring into the classroom?
📌 Interdisciplinary collaboration – Can we connect GTAs across different departments for shared learning?
📌 Support systems for GTAs – How do we make teaching less stressful and more enjoyable?

If you’re a GTA, educator, or just passionate about teaching, let’s connect! You can reach me at my University of Warwick email—I am always happy to chat about teaching, research, or even the best coffee spots on campus! ☕

Adila Fazleen Che-Manan (Education Studies) - Teacher Champion

Hi, I’m Adila, a second-year PhD researcher in Education Studies at the University of Warwick. My research explores the use of video technology for pre-service teachers' collaborative development in Malaysia, with a particular emphasis on peer feedback and fostering professional growth in teacher training. Through this work, I aim to contribute to more supportive and effective learning environments for future educators. Beyond my research, I’ve been actively involved in student engagement and support at Warwick. As an International Student Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of helping new students navigate university life and build a sense of belonging. I’ve also been working as a GTA in the Computer Science Department, where I teach professional skills modules and support students in improving their academic writing. I’m passionate about fostering inclusive and engaging academic communities, which is why I’m excited to be part of Warwick PTC this year! Outside academia, I’m a proud mum of two wonderful children, Adrien and Amanda. Life is a busy mix of research, teaching, family, and community, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I look forward to working with everyone and making this an enriching year for WPTC.

Usoro Akpan (Warwick Medical School) - Teacher Champion

Hello! I am Usoro Akpan, a PhD student at Warwick Medical School. My research focuses on developing interventions to promote the mental health and well-being of young people in the UK. Before my PhD, I was actively involved in research and projects aimed at enhancing mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. I am deeply passionate about teaching, which I envision as the foundation of my career. Over the past three years, I have gained extensive teaching experience, and I have found that teaching brings me absolute fulfilment. At Warwick Medical School, I currently serve as a Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant, facilitating case-based learning (CBL) sessions for undergraduate students. Beyond my research and teaching roles, I enjoy conducting independent research and publishing papers. I have a strong interest in global and public mental health, teaching practices, and education research. As a PGR Teacher Champion, my goal is to contribute to the capacity building of postgraduate research students who teach, fostering a supportive and resourceful community. Through conferences and collaborative initiatives, I aim to empower PGRs with effective teaching strategies, encourage scholarly discussions, and promote evidence-based teaching practices. Ultimately, I strive to create an inclusive and engaging environment where PGRs can develop their teaching skills and make meaningful contributions to student learning.