Portia's Profile
Job title
Senior Lecturer
Academic qualifications
MA in Education Leadership and Management, Cert Ed
"As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and External Quality Assurer (EQA), I blend over 30 years in education and training with a deep commitment to academic excellence, high-quality training and impactful leadership."
As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), External Quality Assurer (EQA) and Senior Lecturer at UCB, I blend over 30 years in education and training with a deep commitment to academic excellence, high-quality training and impactful leadership. My work focuses on the future of skin health and wellbeing, particularly the effects of life changes like menopause on skin physiology, and translates cutting-edge research into accessible, relevant learning for every student.
My academic leadership has included spearheading curriculum validation and regulatory compliance for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. I’m an EQA, meaning that I work closely with education providers to ensure that teaching and assessments not only meet rigorous standards but also genuinely support students’ growth. I love collaborating with teams to share best practices, offer constructive feedback, and help to create learning environments where everyone can thrive. My time on a sabbatical in Saudi Arabia added valuable cross-cultural insights, allowing me to design curriculum that truly reflects global perspectives. I also regularly share best practices as a keynote speaker at UCB Teaching & Learning Conferences, and I’m an Aurora Leadership Alumnae.
My approach to teaching is informed by a strong foundation in educational research, and my MA dissertation explored the impact of intersectional identities on educator wellbeing, with findings now applied in our staff support strategies. I take pride in developing content that goes beyond technical skills, embedding gender theory, intersectionality, and sustainability at the heart of aesthetic education. Whether I’m leading the ‘Green Clinic’ pilot to champion eco-conscious clinical protocols or integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into our curricula, my aim is always to nurture responsible, forward-thinking graduates. My own professional journey began as a beauty therapist, working in salons, on luxury cruise liners, and in Australia and the Far East. I was promoted to the role of Head Therapist early in my career, requiring me to develop managerial experience and lead a team of therapists, and my work on luxury cruise liners developed my sales skills.
As a Digital Champion for Aesthetics, I drive digital transformation through immersive VR/AR assessment and hybrid models of teaching. Initiatives such as digital ‘FlipBook’ assignments, multimedia portfolios, and industry-based simulations ensure that our students are equipped for a digital-first workplace.
I’m proud to have been nominated for many ‘Spotlight on Great Teaching’ awards. What I love most is seeing my students grow in confidence and capability - especially those whose paths to academic success were less than straightforward. I see myself in my students and thrive on the challenge they bring; together, we push boundaries, try new ideas, and strive to make a meaningful difference. I encourage my students to commit fully to their studies, support each other, and remember that there are no limits but those you set yourself.