Dr. Sara Namvar
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Current positions
Reader (Learning and Teaching), Programme Lead for Biomedical Science and Head of Student Experience for Human and Natural Sciences (HANS)
Biography
Sara completed her PhD in 2011 and followed this with seven years of postdoctoral research experience, all at the University of Manchester. Her scientific research interests are primarily focussed on the respiratory epithelium and airway scarring responses to inhaled allergens.
She joined the University of Salford in 2018 as Lecturer in Biomedical Science where she has continued to develop her scientific research. Alongside this, Sara has overseen and co-created with students a wide range of projects designed to build ‘graduate capital’.
Her pedagogical research findings have been widely presented and led to two Times Higher Most Innovative Teacher of the year nominations and being shortlisted for this award in 2021.
Sara was appointed directorate Head of Student experience in 2021 and now leads the Biomedical Science programme.
Areas of research
Asthma, Epithelium, Aspergillus fumigatus, Allergens, Employability, Authentic assessment
Areas of supervision
Asthma, Epithelium, Aspergillus fumigatus, Allergens, Employability, Authentic assessment
I am currently the programme lead for Biomedical Science and lead Cell Biology and Professional Skills. I teach across a number of modules including with significant teaching in Cell Biology, Human Anatomy, Human Systems Physiology, Professional Skills and the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
The airway epithelium orchestrates pathological responses to environmental insults such as allergens and pathogens, ultimately leading to inflammation and sub-epithelial fibrosis in susceptible individuals. Asthma is especially severe in those with fungal sensitisation and so I am especially interested in the epithelial response to airborne fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus. My previous research showed an important role for fungal proteases and epithelial derived growth factors such as Endothelin-1. My current research is focused on the cellular mechanisms by which the epithelium orchestrates fibrosis through its interactions with allergens, host damage signals and other cell types, in particular fibroblasts. Collaborations and PhD applications are welcome in this area and closely related disciplines.
On the teaching and learning front my work has focused on developing graduate capital through co-creation with students. I particularly welcome collaboration on research projects focused on employability, authentic assessment, and innovative playful learning strategies that boost student experience.
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons)
- PhD
- PGCAP
- FHEA
Memberships
- Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) 2018
- Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester 2018
- School Governor 2017- present