Dr Kirsty Hughes

Research Assistant (Veterinary Medical Education)

Biography

Background

I qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2007 with an Intercalated BSc (Hons) in Microbiology and Infection (2004-2005). I then worked in private practice prior to returning to the R(D)SVS in 2008 to pursue a Master of Science by Research in Veterinary Education. My Masters research was focussed on veterinary students’ expectations and experience of academic feedback.

Following my PhD at the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) and the University of York where I investigated the transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle I returned to work at the R(D)SVS in my current role as a Research Assistant in Veterinary Medical Education. My work involves a number of areas of educational research including the student experience, assessment and feedback, e-learning and student and staff wellbeing.

During my secondment to IAD 2014-2015 I further developed my interest in researching and effecting change in learning and teaching and the student experience.

Qualifications

2013: Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science, University of York

Thesis title: Understanding patterns of Escherichia coli O157:H7 shedding and colonisation in cattle and their role in transmission

Measured rates of replication and colonisation of E. coli O157:H7 in the bovine gut in vitro and transmission of the bacterium in vivo. Worked in a number of laboratories both independently and in collaboration with researchers from the Roslin Institute and the Moredun Research Institute to organise and conduct experiments and contributed to laboratory and team meetings and PG conferences presenting about the work.

 

2009: Master of Science by Research in Veterinary Education, University of Edinburgh

Thesis title:  Exploring Student Perceptions of Academic Feedback in Veterinary Medicine  

Study involving surveys and focus groups to evaluate student perceptions of feedback at the R(D)SVS.

 

2007: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S)

2005: B.Sc. in Microbiology and Infection (Intercalated) with 1st Class Honours     

Professional Qualifications

Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, FHEA

Responsibilities & affiliations

EdTA/FHEA mentor through IAD and R(D)SVS

Provide educational research support to students and staff

Mentor veterinary undergraduates and PGT students applying for AFHEA fellowship.

Undergraduate teaching

Professional & Clinical Skills 1-4

Exam board chair for Student Research Component Foundation Skills course from 2025/2026

Academic lead for Undergraduate Certificate of Veterinary Medical Education (UCVME)

Postgraduate teaching

CertAVP Foundations in Academic Practice

PGT Tutors tutor

Research summary

My research in veterinary education spans a number of areas of interest including assessment and feedback, professional and academic skill development,  student experience and wellbeing.

Current research interests

I am based within the Veterinary Medical Education Division (VMED) research group. We have a wide remit looking at many aspects of veterinary education including assessment and feedback, learning and teaching and student support and wellbeing. My research in veterinary education spans a number of areas of interest including assessment and feedback, professional and academic skill development,  student experience and wellbeing,  

Past research interests

Secondment on student transitions at the The Institute for Academic Development, The University of Edinburgh between January 2014 and December 2015. Key contact: Dr Neil Lent

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