Matthew Shaw began his career as a student in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Sheffield where he first pursued an interest in anatomy completing courses in cadaveric human dissection and forensic anatomy. During his degree at the University of Sheffield he realised that he wanted to and could train for a career in human anatomy and teaching. Matthew’s passion for teaching and the exploration of the human body were supported by his time as a student at the University of Edinburgh where he studied for a Master’s degree in Human Anatomy. Teaching was a significant part of his Master’s degree and his skills translated well to the University of Birmingham where he worked initially as a Demonstrator of anatomy and was promoted to Teaching Fellow in Anatomy.
Since joining the University, Matthew has expanded his knowledge and expertise in Anatomy and inclusive and engaging teaching spurred by the difficulties of all staff and students experience during the pandemic. The efforts of Matthew were recognised when he was awarded the qualification of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2020.
Matthew has shown commitment to delivery of Anatomy on the MPharm programme and has expanded the contact time and quality of teaching for his students through improved and more regular visits to the laboratory. Matthew intends to continue to benefit his students during his PhD by exploring the learning experiences of MPharm students at the University of Birmingham and across the UK.
Matt’s outreach work includes the annual Healthcare Professions Big Quiz for Year 8 pupils, local school workshops where pupils get an exciting look at their own anatomy using ultrasound machines and the National Access Summer School (NASS) and Academic Enrichment Programme summer schools.