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Staff spotlight: Steph Clark

Name: Steph Clark
Job title: Doctoral Research Officer
Year started at BSMS: 2015

Tell us a bit about your background

I was first at University of Sussex completing my undergraduate degree in Biology with French in the School of Life Sciences, and following this, I worked in a Customer Service role before coming back to the Sussex campus and joining BSMS in 2015.

What’s your role like day-to-day?

One of the best bits about my role is that every day is a bit different as you never know which query will come up next within the world of postgraduate research! I spend the majority of my time answering emails regarding all aspects of the PhD and MD student journey from admissions through to viva, and work closely with colleagues in BSMS Doctoral Studies, as well as Brighton Doctoral College and Sussex Researcher School.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

One of the best parts of my role is being lucky enough to be in contact with colleagues across the School on a daily basis, and to see the research happening across BSMS, from the labs in the Medical Research Building, to the pedagogical research in Medical Education and the postgraduate research taking place overseas by students within the Department of Global Health and Infection. One of my favourite times of the year is graduation, where I can see our students celebrating their success!

In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

One of things that I am most proud of is completing the PgCert in Higher Education, Adminstation and Leadership, which I completed in 2020. I learnt so much and it has really helped me to further my knowledge of the sector and the skills that I obtained have helped me to develop better working practices.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

How have you developed your skills professionally since joining BSMS?

I have learnt so much since joining BSMS, and I am proud to work at BSMS, and within the HE sector. Throughout my time here, I have learnt so much from colleagues, both academic and professional services about the HE sector itself, and become an expert at navigating the myriad systems used to support the PhD and MD student journey, to provide the best support for students and supervisors.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations within your personal or professional life?

My biggest inspirations would have to be my Mum and Dad as they brought us up to believe that we could achieve anything and be successful, and I hope that my sons would say the same about me when they are older!