Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Exercise Science Dr Gulshanara (Rumy) Begum has received a 2023 National Teaching Fellowship award. The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in UK higher education.
Dr Begum said: “I was absolutely thrilled to receive the call confirming I was successful in becoming a National Teaching Fellow this year. The award was based on a number of aspects, including my work around students as co-creators/partners and decolonising Life Sciences. I look forward to meeting other winners during the Advance HE celebratory event in late September and using this award to continue to work towards transforming our higher education environment to be an effective space for learners from all backgrounds.”
Dr Begum has a track record of investigating the mechanisms of fatigue during exercise and testing the effectiveness of nutritional ergogenic aids. Her current research focuses on nutrition and exercise interventions in obesity, diabetes and other health issues such as iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). She is an advocate of research-informed teaching and experiential learning to transform student critical and holistic thinking.
Dr Begum’s pedagogic research centres around student-staff partnerships, career aspirations, and diversity and inclusion. She champions student partnerships at the University and has contributed to the development of Westminster Co-creators Principles. Also, Dr Begum recently contributed to a book chapter titled I’ve Seen You within the book The Power of Partnership. This book addresses the power dynamic between academic staff and students in higher education and celebrates the nuance and complexity of partnership work and its potential to transform lives and reform institutions.
Dr Begum’s academic practice centres around helping students from all backgrounds have a sense of belonging at their institutions. She works towards increasing students’ confidence and self-belief to establish authentic learning spaces where learners from all backgrounds effortlessly feel like they belong.
In 2017 Dr Begum designed an innovative synoptic assessment: a Professional Development Portfolio for students on Nutrition courses at the University of Westminster. This assessment is woven through the course and prompts students to pursue professional development whilst studying. More recently, she has developed an inclusive curriculum and guidance document for the School of Life Sciences. This unique piece of work has been transformative in revalidation across the University.
Professor Becky Huxley-Binns, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Hull, and Chair of the UK Teaching Excellence Awards Advisory Panel 2023 said: “Every year as we select the NTFS and CATE winners, we are in awe of these extraordinary and gifted people who are teaching with such professionalism, passion and commitment in higher education. This year was no different. These awards are incredibly important in recognising and celebrating these people and in sharing 'what works' so that colleagues can build on their expertise too and students can enjoy the benefits of great practice in teaching and learning.”
Dr Caroline Smith, Assistant Head of School of Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted that Dr Rumy Begum from the School of Life Sciences has won a National Teaching Fellowship Award. Rumy has been a key member of the team working towards decolonising the curriculum and has produced a curriculum design toolkit which has been shared across the University. She is passionate about supporting students and her recent projects have been to work at building inclusivity.”
Learn more about Nutrition and Public Health courses at the University of Westminster.
