Dr Neil Pickles

Associate Dean - Academic Development

Picture of staff member

Following a BSc in Biology, I undertook a PhD that involved biochemical analysis of hydrocolloids, using chemical and biological techniques. After completing my PhD, I had a postdoctoral scholarship at the University of California, Riverside. On my return to the UK, I took up a lecturing position at MMU. At that time I completed a postgraduate teaching qualification (PGCAP). I then moved to the University of Chester, where I progressed to Deputy Head of Department and Lead Senior University Teaching Fellow.
In June 2019, I joined Wrexham as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology. I had leadership and management responsibilities for the Applied Science and Engineering teams within the faculty. The academic affairs portfolio involved oversight of academic quality and being a core member of the academic development team (ADT).
I took up the role as Associate Dean for Academic Development at the university in September 2022. This is a cross university role providing strategic leadership in relation to academic development, teaching quality, curriculum development (including Welsh language), and student engagement. This involves overseeing our CPD route for Advance HE fellowship and acting as institutional contact. I chair (and vice chair) for a number of university committees.

In all of my roles, I have delivered teaching and undergraduate level. I have a current PhD supervisor and have successful PhD completions, as well as acting as an external and internal examiner for PhD vivas.
I am an Advance HE senior fellow (SFHEA) and currently act as an external examiner at the University of Worcester for their PGCLTHE.