Faces of Reading

I grew up in the rural countryside of Taiwan. Though Taiwan is known for its democracy and LGBTQ rights, Taiwan was more traditional 25 years ago. Since I was little, I was unfairly mistreated by my elementary school teachers due to my family background and personality traits. Seeing my teachers conduct themselves in this way made me want to become a teacher so that I could bring a better and positive energy towards my students. As a kid, I even told myself, one day, when I become a good teacher, I would replace a bad teacher, so this world can become a better place. 

In 2013, I embarked on my PhD journey in Finance at the Australian National University (ANU). Following this, I was appointed as a Lecturer in Real Estate Finance at Henley Business School. I am committed to continual improvement as a passionate educator and researcher at Henley Business School. One of my teaching philosophies is to ensure that we create a safe, happy, and inclusive environment for our students to study. I believe that each of our students has their potential and I aim to help them reach their potential.  has helped me reach my current role as Deputy Director of Studies for Real Estate and Planning. 

As an early career researcher, I have so many new things to learn. In additional to the academic support from my mentor, many of my colleagues provide me with helpful guidance and support to develop my research and teaching profiles.  

The University of Reading values diversity and inclusion. In my department, the members of staff are from around the globe including Argentina, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, US and more. I enjoy working in this diverse environment and being part of this community and network indeed gives me a chance to develop international collaboration. I highly recommend Reading for either study or work!

One of the things I really enjoy about Reading is the flexibility. For example, over the summer months I take advantage of flexible working hours – called compressed hours – so I work from 8:00 until 6:00, four days a week during the summer, and that’s something I really appreciate.

I’m also supported in continuing my professional development, and recently I received a Science Council CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Award because of my training and development achievements. I think if there’s something you’re interested in doing – and it’s relevant to your role – you should flag it, because there’s no harm in asking.

I completed my PhD in 2009 and am continuing my snakebite/venom research, as well as researching cardiovascular diseases.

We're currently developing a diagnostic tool and improved therapeutic strategies for snakebites because they are causing lots of problems in developing countries like India. Antivenoms are sometimes administered even if it's not a venomous snakebite, which can be dangerous.

In addition to teaching pharmacology, I teach about snake venoms and bites in an optional module for biological sciences students, which I'm really pleased about. In 2016, I won the Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) Research Inspired Teaching Excellence Award, and in 2022 won the RUSU Teaching Excellence Award for Life Sciences – both via student nominations.

In addition to research in labs, I (together with numerous collaborators) am also involved in improving public awareness about snakes and snakebites in rural areas, and developing new policies to improve snakebite management in India. Over the last few years, we have engaged with over seven million people via multifaceted approaches using traditional and social media, as well as direct outreach activities in schools, colleges and rural villages. We also proved that our campaign has been successful in reducing snakebite-induced deaths, disabilities and socioeconomic burden in selected regions by improving the treatment-seeking behaviour of rural communities. For this work, I received the University's prestigious, Research Engagement and Impact Award in 2018. I am delighted that we are making real changes in snakebite management on the ground, and this was the primary reason why I came to Reading originally.

As well as supporting lots of students here, I also support some in India. I run a small charity to provide financial support for students who finish school but can't afford to go to university. I'm also the Warden at Mackinder Hall and I'm enjoying it. The University of Reading is my home; I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals here while supporting the growth of the University.

I entered higher education on a series of fixed term contracts which is common to our sector as there is a disproportionate demand for EAP teachers/lecturers in the summer, but this reduces once Autumn is upon us. Living in this state of employment precarity was unnerving, especially when I was expecting my first child. In 2009, I did manage to secure my first permanent post despite being five months pregnant at the time of the interview. Even though it is unlawful to consider this ‘temporary condition’ during the selection and recruitment process, just 11 years ago attitudes differed. I felt incredibly anxious before the interview panel. Currently, as a member of the Unviersity Parent and Family steering group, I am keen to open up discussions on issues facing parents -to- be, parents, and carers working at universities, and share best practice in support across the University. 

I came to work at UoR, after working for nine years at Royal Holloway, University of London. Moving jobs mid-career is a huge leap of faith for anyone, but with a young family to relocate, this was a significant undertaking for me. In addition, my carefully built network of personal and professional contacts had also been removed. At first the benefits of changing employer and location can seem quite small in comparison to the sacrifices. I would say to anybody in this position though that the gains do start to emerge incrementally. 

Reflecting on the long working lives ahead of us, we should reconsider outstaying employers. Four years on my family are settled and working at Reading has brought me so many new opportunities in teaching a greater diversity of nationalities, supporting outreach work in English Language teaching, and leading on new provision. Most of all I have experienced a more positive approach to different contracts types. I now work 0.9FT and have a better work/family balance as a result, something that was not conceivable in my past roles.