Carl Harrington

Carl has a degree in Microbiology and a PhD which focussed on gastrointestinal microbiology. During his PhD, he begun to explore science communication which ultimately led to his current role at UEA as a Lecturer in School of Biological Sciences and a Widening Participation Academic Officer.

In addition to teaching within the School and being the School’s Deputy Admissions Director, Carl has significant responsibility for co-delivering the Access and Participation Plan work across the Faculty of Science. This involves working with colleagues in the Faculty to develop strategies, activities and support for school and college students who are from groups underrepresented at universities, while also doing the same for underrepresented groups both studying at UEA and after graduating.

Areas of research interest include Widening Participation and Social Mobility, particularly with a science focus. He is also very interested in science communication.

Carl is an Academic Outreach Officer for the Faculty of Science. His work in this area is principally to deliver on the University’s commitment to widening participation within higher education. When supporting students prior to entering university, he works with the Faculty and University’s central outreach team. This includes Carl delivering projects such as the Year 8 and Year 9 off campus event Bringing Scientists To You, Yr10 week long Biology Unlocked, Y12 on and off campus 18 month Preparing for Pharmacy and the Yr12 on campus event Explore Biology – DNA fingerprinting.

As part of his role with current UEA students, he links more closer with University groups with the Faculty and beyond who work with our current students. He leads and supports a variety of projects including the Biology Students of Colour project, a focus on mature student support in the Faculty and co-leads the Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Research Scholarships and UKRI-BBSRC Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership Summer Internship Scholarships.

As part of his work focussed on students prior to entering university and with students when at UEA, he also links with Norwich Research Park Institutes staff and PhD students.

Carl teaches from Level 3 foundation year to Level 6 final year on topics including microbiology, molecular biology, evolution, palaeontology and science communication. He also delivers science communication teaching for PhD students. He supports and promotes inclusive education.  

Carl provides training and support for current undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as any staff who are seeking to be involved with schools liaison engagement activities. In addition to this, he develops workshops and materials mainly with a science focus for use with pre university students, plus supports and guides other undergraduates, PhD students and staff to do the same. These include academic taster sessions, study skills and curriculum linked sessions.