Dr Cassandra Lewis, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry
At the onset of the pandemic, I became fascinated with online education and the use of evidence-based practice when transitioning to the online space. In 2020 I received a Queen Mary Education Excellence Award for my eLearning module and was subsequently involved in several journal publications and presentations relating to paediatric dentistry, eLearning Design and co-creating online content with students. Since then, I have undertaken qualitative research as part of my masters in medical education at Dundee University (2023), which involved exploring student and staff experiences and perceptions of online dental education. I have also collaborated with students and staff from IHSE and the Library Services Team to create online resources to support students in constructively navigating the use of AI for their learning.
Alongside these activities I am proud to have co-established Barts Community Smiles (BCS) in 2018 with dental students and staff colleagues. BCS is a student volunteer group which aims to improve the oral health of our local community through online and in-person talks, oral health promotion stalls, festivals, and educational initiatives such as the Festival of Communities (2018, 2019 and 2022). They have been hugely successful, having been awarded funding grants, nominated for Volunteer Group and Volunteer of the Year, shortlisted for the ‘Community Award’ at the National Societies and Volunteering awards, and exhibited at the Houses of Commons in 2020.
This work is continuously contributing towards my portfolio of experience and evidence for appraisals, academic progression and recognition for HEA Senior Fellowship. My specific interest in online education opened the door to new and external opportunities, leading to my role as the dental representative for the SP111 Scaling up Blended Learning workstream (2021/22), and invitations to teach with the Open University and Learning Design Bootcamp 2021. In 2023 I was humbled by the receipt of two student-nominated awards, the ‘Exceptional Communication’ and joint ‘Collaborative Teaching’ by Barts and the London Student Association and the Dental Society. I was also nominated for the Ronald Harden Award by Dundee University for my research project.
Alongside contributions to teaching and learning, this work has supported applications for recognition by other external bodies, such as the Faculty of Dental Trainers (Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh). It has also contributed to my roles as an external examiner and as editor for the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy Journal, Dental Health.
The results of the master’s project were shared with key stakeholders at the Institute of Dentistry, and with the wider research community, particularly digital technologists and distance learning educators at a national conference. Following this I was asked to present at the newly established Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Digital Education Community of Practice webinar series. I hope the results can support educators in striking a balanced with their blend of online and face-to-face teaching which still retains the "human touch" and establishes meaningful connections between students and between students and staff. My involvement with external bodies and Barts Community Smiles widens participation and enhances student experience and growth through the development of a range of graduate attributes, entrepreneurial skills and embeds ethical and social responsibility. These activities raise the reputation of Queen Mary in aid of public good, aligning with the Queen Mary Strategy 2030.
It can be hard juggling scholarship with other work and/or personal commitments, but it is a great way to explore areas of personal interest, enrich and support student experience, open doors and connect with other researchers and like-minded colleagues in your field. It’s invaluable for demonstrating commitment to an academic career, improving visibility and in helping bolster applications for career progression.