DrMagda Charalambous

My main activity is teaching my research interests of evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and population genetics. I am the module convenor of second-year UG Genetics, and Behavioural Ecology modules and undertake fieldwork teaching on Ecology Field Skills module. In the final-year, I previously convened the African Biology Field Course module and I supervise 9-week Research Projects. I am also the BSc Biological Sciences degree second-year convenor and a member of the departmental Teaching Committee.

Continuing development as an educator is important to keep abreast of innovation and best practice. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and have an MEd in University Learning & Teaching. I conduct educational research primarily to suggest improvements to teaching practice (such as using team-based learning to teach statistics), and to help students engage with feedback more effectively (through the use of a reflective ePortfolio). I am the Principal Investigator on a university-wide Learning How to Learn training programme that seeks to help students learn to use effective learning strategies. I am also interested in the transition to university level study, and role of self- and collective- efficacy in learning.

Examples of my research include:

Passive acoustic monitoring of orthopterans, bats and birds for biodiversity monitoring and rewilding
Identification & population genetics of dipteran vectors of human diseases (e.g. malaria and river blindness)
Sexual selection on insect (grasshopper) mate recognition systems
Maintenance of alternate reproductive male morphs in bulb mites

Helping students learn how to learn

The use of self-reflective ePortfolios to help use feedback more effectively through enabling a dialogic feedback process
Gender differences in the transition to university level studies
Use of team-based learning to teach statistics

Identity formation and career intentions of life sciences students

Other Significant Activities:

Co-lead of the Transition and Progression of Students Special Interest Group
Board member of the Imperial College Teaching Fellow Network

Member of the Imperial College STAR framework panel that reviews applications for fellowship of the HEA (Advance HE)

Member of the Department of Life Sciences:

• Exam Board
• Teaching committee
• Space and infrastructure committee
• Student-staff committee
• Final-year module review panel
• Former member of the undergraduate Admissions Panel and the EDI Committee
• Former Deputy Senior Tutor (13 years)