Name: Theodore Brook
Department: Life Sciences  
Email: t.brook22@imperial.ac.uk

Student Programme Partner: GTA programme

My Research: I’m a PhD student based at Silwood Park and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. I am studying the evolution and ecology of a group of plants within the coffee family on Lord Howe Island, a remote oceanic island in the Pacific. 

Why I applied for this particular SPP role: Since starting my PhD, I have been actively involved in teaching various courses and would like to pursue a career in degree-level teaching. Having attended some of the Graduate School’s GTAP sessions, I realise how valuable they are and thus would like to help deliver and develop these sessions in the future. I’m particularly keen to integrate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles into the GTAP courses, allowing GTAs to recognise how they can incorporate EDI into their teaching.

Why I think professional development training is important: Professional development is very important in developing on the skills – both technical and more creative/innovative – required both to complete a PhD and to succeed in the professional environment after graduating.