In this podcast we discuss Raheela, Melody, Eleanor and Wajeeha’s work that explores how we identify the blind spots in EDI efforts to more effectively support academics sitting at the intersection of minority identities.

Dr Wajeeha Aziz is a senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Education in Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) at the University of Sussex. She is a medical doctor and involved in teaching and leading postgraduate taught courses at BSMS. Having worked previously as research fellow , Wajeeha has vast experience in life science research and has published in several peer reviewed journals in the field of Neuroscience. Her current research and scholarship explore co-designing inclusive curriculum, de-colonising medical education and enhancing student experience through active engagement. Wajeeha is EDI and inclusive curriculum lead for postgraduate taught courses at BSMS.

Dr Raheela Awais is a Lecturer and programme director of the integrated master’s in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool. She is also a deputy chair of the University’s Race Equality Charter -Self Assessment team. Born in Pakistan and obtained her doctorate from Japan, Raheela brings her multicultural experience to embed diversity and inclusivity in students’ learning experience which are reflected in her novel assessment methods, PGR training framework for inclusive laboratory-based teaching, student-staff partnership etc. She has received several University and Faculty awards in recognition of her contributions. Raheela has a professional interest in engaging regional health and industrial partners to develop personalized placement opportunities to enable students to gain work experience who normally struggle to access such placement settings. She has received internal and external funding to work in partnership with students to explore if the principles of EDI are reflected in our curriculum. As a Deputy chair of REC-SAT she advocates the importance of exploring the intersection of minority-racialized identities to promote a truly inclusive culture.

The Academy’s Developing Practice Podcast is produced by The Academy, University of Liverpool. The role of the Academy is to promote and enable organisational excellence through the strategic development of the University’s people and practices. The podcast hosts Matt Davis, Organisational Developer and Alex Owen, Academic Developer are based in the Academy. To find out more about the work of The Academy check out: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/the-academy/

Reading List for UoL Staff

Music & FX: This podcast uses sounds from https://freesound.org/s/417560/ and music from https://www.purple-planet.com