Member Spotlight: Nick Freestone
Meet Nick Freestone, an Associate Professor at Kingston University where his research spans both bioscience, investigating the intricacies of calcium handling in isolated cardiac myocytes, while simultaneously exploring the nature of learning at the university level through his educational research. Nick's academic pursuits are as diverse as the student body he serves and his impact extends beyond the confines of research laboratories and lecture halls.
At Kingston University, Nick was the Course Director for undergraduate Pharmaceutical Science degree programmes for a number of years. Through the interventions that Nick employed on these courses, he greatly improved important metrics of educational progress (NSS, Graduate Outcomes, degree Awarding Gaps), earning accolades such as the shortlisting of his programmes for the Guardian University Awards in “Course Design, Retention and Student Outcomes” in 2021.
With ongoing dedication to tailoring teaching and assessment strategies to meet the needs of all students, Nick set out to co-found and co-chair the “Bridging Awarding Gaps in the Biosciences” network for the Royal Society of Biology. Through his involvement with the British Pharmacological Society's Inclusive Pharmacology Education Steering group, he further championed inclusive practices within the field. Most recently, Nick's wealth of experience has been harnessed to support our efforts at SEB, driving us towards our shared vision of expanding the reach and fostering inclusivity within the bioscience community.
Within the SEB Outreach, Education and Diversity (OED) working group, Nick's contagious enthusiasm fuels actionable change. From organising sessions at conferences to his pivotal role within the SEB Awards Nomination Task Force, he advocates for diversity and inclusivity, ensuring deserving voices are heard and celebrated.
Nick's role within the task force has been multifaceted and impactful. From identifying candidates worthy of nominations, to crafting high-quality and well-researched nomination forms, Nick’s efforts have already resulted in successful award recipients. In addition to his direct contributions, Nick has also played a crucial mentoring role within the task force guiding nominators in the very early stages of their career's, helping them to develop valuable professional skills that will benefit them in their future endeavours.
Beyond SEB, Nicks outstanding contributions are being recognised and honoured. In 2021 he was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by AdvanceHE, who said: “Nick’s inclusive practice has been refined over the years to improve, in quantifiable ways, learning outcomes for his students.” Later, Nick was part of the team shortlisted by the Times Higher Education Supplement for the Award of “Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion” in 2023.
As a former winner of the Royal Society of Biology’s “UK Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year” award, Nick was asked to join the panel of judges for this award in subsequent years. Now in his role as Chair of the panel, his influence steers towards a more representative and inclusive academic landscape, reflected in the ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds of recent award recipients.
Nick Freestone's commitment, engagement, expertise, and mentorship have significantly enriched the collaborative efforts of numerous initiatives in Outreach, Education and Diversity across multiple institutions. SEB is privileged to have Nick within our ranks as a driving force in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.
You can learn more about Nick’s research and contributions here: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-nicholas-freestone-548/
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Stay tuned for more inspiring OED spotlights as we continue to celebrate champions of diversity, education and outreach. If you have story you’d like to share get in touch [email protected].