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Staff Profile

Dr Alison Howard

Lecturer

  • Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 3476
  • Address: Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences
    Newcastle University
    Medical School
    Framlington Place
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE2 4HH
Background

Qualifications


Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Professional Development Course for External Examiners (Advance HE)

Certificate in Advanced Studies in Academic Practice, Newcastle University

PhD - Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Postgraduate Medical School (RPMS), University of London

MSc - Clinical Biochemistry, Newcastle University

BSc (Hons) Medical Biochemistry -University of Surrey


Previous Positions

Teaching Fellow in Physiology (T & S) School of Biomedical Sciences, Newcastle University

Senior Scientific Specialist, Epithelial Research Group, ICAMB, Newcastle University

Research Associate, Epithelial Research Group, ICAMB, Newcastle University

Scientific Officer, Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen

Post-doctoral Research Associate, Gastroenterology Unit, RPMS, London


Current Roles and Responsibilities

School

Senior Tutor (Bioscience Programmes)

Co-lead for EDI

Member Phase 1 Curriculum Committee

Member Physiological Sciences Curriculum Committee

Member of Board of Studies

Peer mentor coordinator


University


Member Support to Study/ Academic Progress Review working group

Member Senior Tutor Forum

Member Peer Mentor Staff coordinator forum

Member Student Experience Sub-Committee

Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO)

Student launchpad invited contributor

Member Faculty EDI Committee


Other

Member The Physiological Society Conferences Committee (2023-present)


Memberships

The Physiological Society

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Member UKAT (UK Advising and Tutoring Association)



Research

Since moving to a T&S role, I have incorporated my interest in transport physiology into my teaching practice, undergraduate project supervision and public engagement activities. I maintain my research interest and up-to-date subject knowledge through acting as assessment panel member and internal examiner for multiple PhD students each year (currently member on three panels).


I was the lead applicant and organiser of a successful bid to host the The Physiological Society 2026 Education and Teaching theme annual meeting at Newcastle University in April 2026: Fit For the Future: Physiology Education and Teaching in the UK


I have presented and co-presented oral and poster communications and local, national and international meetings.  At the Europhysiology 2022 meeting, one of my peer-reviewed abstracts (co-authored with Dr Michele Sweeney and Dr Beth Lawry) was selected for special recognition with a Physiological Reports Abstract Award in the Education and Teaching category.


I have successfully applied for engagement activity funding from the Physiological Society to fund Physiology Friday and Physiology Week activities on multiple occasions, and following from these initiatives was awarded a Royal Society Partnership grant jointly with Dr Stephanie Bell, Durham Sixth Form centre) to develop further educational engagement activities (2025-2026).


I have reviewed abstracts, chaired sessions and judged poster and oral communications at multiple Physiological Society meetings.



Teaching

I teach physiology and bioscience skills across a range of modules and degree programmes, as a lecturer, practical and seminar leader, assignment lead, assessment marker, and undergraduate project supervisor.


Module leader:

PSC1002/BSA1015 Physiology,

CMB1011 Professional and Practical Skills for Bioscientists (Assignment lead: semester 1 and 2 essays, semester 2 lab report; semester 2 oral presentation)

PSC2019 Renal and Respiratory Physiology


Other:

PSC2018 Human Anatomy for Physiologists

PSC3012 Integrated Physiology

DEN1103 Dental Physiology

PED3005 Advanced Pharmacogenetics

BMS3022 Bioethics

CMB3000


Internal Examiner and Assessor of PhD and Masters programmes.


Biomed+


Since 2016, I have organised and chaired Biomed+, an extracurricular lecture series connecting undergraduate students with leading researchers from the Faculty of Medical Sciences. The programme enriches the curriculum by exposing students to cutting-edge biomedical research and providing opportunities to engage directly with internationally recognised scientists. Over the years, contributors have included Professor Tracy Palmer FRS, Professor Martin Noble FRS, Professor Christine Harrison MBE and Professor Chris Stewart. Frequently cited as a programme highlight in student feedback and external examiner reports, the series has helped foster a stronger research culture within the undergraduate community. More recently, I have expanded the initiative to include early career researchers, providing valuable opportunities to develop their communication and teaching skills while showcasing a wider range of research and career pathways to students.


Teaching Developments


In 2023, as stage 1 curriculum chair, I led the development of a new 30-credit Stage 1 Professional and Practical Skills module designed to strengthen students’ transition into higher education and introduce professional scientific practice from the outset of their degree. The module embeds early engagement with primary scientific literature, bioinformatics, scientific writing, communication, and data analysis, providing a structured framework for longitudinal skills development. By integrating real-life research and professional practice throughout the academic year, the module provides students with the analytical, technical and transferable skills needed for success in later study, including stage 3 research projects, and their future careers.


As module lead, I led the redevelopment of PSC2019, modernising its curriculum and assessment strategy to better align with current physiological and clinical practice. By integrating clinical expertise into the teaching team, the module now provides students with stronger links between physiology and its application in healthcare. As Deputy Chair of the Physiological Sciences Curriculum Committee , I contributed to programme-level curriculum development and enhancement.


In 2025, I co-led a major review and redesign of the Stage 1 Biomedical Sciences curriculum, ensuring alignment with the Graduate Skills Framework and national sector benchmarks. As part of the new programmes (September 2026 rollout), I have developed and will co-lead a new Stage 1 core skills module that embeds teamwork, reflective practice, sustainability and research-engaged learning throughout the academic year. By introducing new pedagogical approaches and focusing on belonging, resilience and professional identity, the module provides students with a stronger foundation for academic and career success while strengthening links between teaching and research. I am also co-leading development of a new Stage 2 Physiology module, supporting coherent and progressive learning across the programme.





Publications