Dr Sonja Dunbar

Sonja Dunbar is the Associate Teaching Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge.

Group

Teaching

Biography

I’m interested in understanding how to scaffold scientific skill development in higher education. My current research projects focus on the impact of lecture breaks on engagement with and enjoyment of material in lectures, and on the development of experimental design skills in laboratory practicals.

I support the continued development of teaching material across Part IA and IB Natural Sciences, and deliver lectures and practicals in IA Physiology of Organisms and IB Plant and Microbial Sciences.

Previous Positions

2023 to present - Associate Teaching Professor (Teaching and Scholarship) - University of Cambridge, England

2020 to 2023 - Teaching Associate - University of Cambridge, England

2016 to 2020 - Teaching Assistant - University of Cambridge, England

Qualifications

2019 to 2022 - PGCTLHE - University of Cambridge, England

2012 to 2016 - PhD in Protein-Protein Interactions - University of Cambridge, England

2010 to 2011 - MRes in Biochemical Research - Imperial College London, England

2007 to 2010 - MA Hons in Natural Sciences - University of Cambridge, England

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Awards & Fellowships

2023 - Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

2019 - Pilkington Prize for Teaching Excellence - University of Cambridge, England

2018 - Fellow and College Lecturer - Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England

2016 - Teaching By-Fellow - Churchill College, University of Cambridge, England

2016 - Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Committees

2021 to present - Biological Natural Sciences Curriculum Review working groups

2021 to 2022 - Inspera pilot operational board

2018 to present - Plant Sciences Teaching Committee

2014 to present - Natural Science Tripos Part IA Committee and Part IB Committee

Teaching Related Media

2022 - 'Helping students tackle terminology barriers' - Times Higher Education (THE) Campus.

2016 - 'Agriculture vs conservation – developing a discussion with undergraduates' - American Society of Plant Biologists blog

2015 - 'Dealing with arsenic – an investigation with undergraduates' - American Society of Plant Biologists blog