Welcome to all our new and returning School of Natural Sciences (SNS) students! We thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to introduce you to your SNS Head of School, Mark Wass. Take a look at the interview below to find out more about Mark and their role at Kent.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming Head of School?
I am head of the School of Natural Sciences, a School that combines the subjects of Biosciences, Chemistry, Conservation, Forensics, and Sports, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences. I joined the university 13 years ago as a lecturer in Computational Biology within the School of Biosciences. In Computational Biology we use computing approaches to analyse biological data. My research area is interdisciplinary and I collaborate with chemists, computer scientists and even philosophers.
Joining Kent was the beginning of an adventure in research and teaching. At that time, I had not thought that I would become a Head of School. But my development saw me take on multiple leadership roles, first as the placement year coordinator, then leading our Biology degree course. That led to me becoming Director of Studies for the School a few years later, leading the development of all education across the School. A few years later, it felt like a natural progression when I became Head of the School of Biosciences.
Last year, a university restructure sought to bring Schools together to drive interdisciplinarity in our research and teaching. I saw the Head of School of Natural Sciences position as an exciting opportunity to integrate the multiple subjects and improve everything we do by working together. A year later, I am happy with the progress we have made.
What are your top priorities for the school this academic year and why?
Over the past two years, we have been working to enhance our educational offering. We listened to student feedback, and the university developed a new term structure, embedded employability into the curriculum and introduced more authentic assessment to ensure you are developing the skills you need in the workplace. All of these enhancements are now running this term. My top priority is ensuring they are a success.
My second priority is ensuring that the world-leading research that is performed in the School continues to address important problems in the world, from developing diagnostics in our Centre for Advanced Diagnostics Development and Application to our Sharing Space for Nature project focusing on Biological Diversity in our region and around the world.
What are you most proud of in your school, and are there any specific achievements?
I am immensely proud of the community within our school and the dedication and commitment of the staff. This year saw four staff members within the School win University Teaching Prizes, which recognised significant contributions to education. The awards we won covered establishing international partnerships with other universities, developing innovative, authentic assessment approaches, and using virtual reality in teaching.
What is the one thing that students might be surprised to learn about you?
Before working at the University of Kent, I lived in Madrid for two years. I was a research fellow at the Spanish National Centre for Cancer Research.
What’s your favourite spot on campus and why?
My favourite spot on campus is the area of grass that looks down to Canterbury with a view of the Cathedral. It is normally quiet and peaceful here, and I enjoy looking at the view. It is a great place to go when I want to get away from the office and my computer. It is also close to the Gulbenkian Café to get a coffee.
What one piece of advice would you give students during their time at University to maximise their academic success this year?
Ask for support when you need it! Make use of the services available from the university, ranging from your lecturers and academic advisor to student support. We are here to help you. Also, enjoy yourself, there are so many opportunities at university, make the most of them!