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Biography
Dr. Anna Bertram obtained a BSc Hons degree in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham in 1997. She then stayed in Nottingham to study for a PhD degree under the supervision of Professor Gerry Pattenden FRS. Dr Bertram investigated the synthesis of a range of biologically important natural cyclic peptides via a novel self-assembly approach, also involving metal-templation. She was awarded a PhD in 2000 and then carried out postdoctoral research in Nottingham for a further two years, researching in the areas of steroid synthesis and telomerase inhibitors based on the natural product telomestatin found in Stretomyces anulatus 3533-SV4. In 2002 Dr Bertram was appointed to a Fixed Term Lectureship in Organic Chemistry at Nottingham where she continued researching in the aforementioned areas.
Dr Bertram was appointed to the position of Manager of Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories in the School of Chemistry at Nottingham in 2005, she was promoted to Associate Professor and Director of Laboratory Teaching in 2020.
Her prime responsibilities include the development of a coherent strategy and dynamic management for the teaching of undergraduate laboratory courses across the School. She works in close collaboration with colleagues responsible for interweaving teaching and practical work in undergraduate chemistry.
In 2020 & 2023 Dr Bertram was awarded a Lord Dearing Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of teaching and student learning, and in 2022 she was awarded a Teaching Excellence Award for her role in leading the development of contextualised practical skills consolidation sessions.
Dr Bertram is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and holds 'Chartered Chemist' status. In 2016 Dr Bertram was awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Teaching Summary
Dr Bertram has a keen interest in chemical education and is actively engaged in developing online teaching and learning resources for laboratories. Her interest in online teaching and learning… read more
Dr Bertram has a keen interest in chemical education and is actively engaged in developing online teaching and learning resources for laboratories. Her interest in online teaching and learning resources was sparked by her involvement with the Royal Society of Chemistry's 'Chemistry for our Future Programme' in which she worked alongside the School Teacher Fellows to develop 'The Interactive Lab Primer' which is widely used in both schools and universities. These resources were tailored to help facilitate the School to University transition but have had a positive impact for students in all years of their degrees. The development of these resources marked the beginning of the online provision of learning materials for laboratories at Nottingham. Since then Dr Bertram along with other colleagues have assembled a vast array of online resources to support learning and Dr Bertram has been instrumental in the School of Chemistry's move to the online submission and assessment of practical work.
Dr Bertram is the module convenor for all laboratory based modules including the first year 'Study Skills Module' which aims to help bridge the school to university transition. Dr Bertram runs the Chemistry Peer Mentoring scheme for new first year students and is the module convenor for the Nottingham Advantage Award module for Peer Mentors.
Dr Bertram is involved in the School's Outreach programme which aims to raise awareness of science and give students a taste of university life. Events are run for students from both primary and secondary schools.
Dr Bertram is a mentor as part of the Royal Society of Chemistry's mentoring scheme and a coach as part of the University's 'Internal Coach Programme.'
School of Chemistry Responsibilities & Committee Memberships
- Director of Laboratory Teaching.
- School of Chemistry Teaching Strategy Group.
- Exam Board.
- Learning Community Forum.
- Safety and Health Committee.
- Extenuating Circumstances Board.
University Responsibilities & Committee Memberships
- Elected Senate Member.
- Education & Student Experience Committee Member.
- Digital Futures Board Member.
- Nottingham Recognition Scheme Review Panel Member.
- Teaching and Learning Conference Steering Group Member.
- Educational Excellence Group Member.