Professor Naomi Shiner delivered her inaugural speech as a professor at Keele University in April.
Professor Shiner is the faculty director of simulation across medicine and the health sciences at the university. By background, she is a Diagnostic Radiographer with a specialism in reporting radiography.
Titled ‘Simulation: The girl behind the mask’, the presentation outlined Professor Shiner’s journey to becoming a professor. This involved chronicling her time as a student at the University of Central England, before she moved on to clinical practice at Nottingham NHS Trust and eventually the role of superintendent radiographer in Inverness.
Professor Shiner then recounted her academic career, which began at Robert Gordon University in 2013, where she found her love for simulation and moulage. This inspired her to take on doctoral research at the University of Derby, where she studied the emotional impact of simulation on radiography students.
Offering support to others
Professor Shiner also spoke about the influence of her daughter, Nina, who has Down Syndrome and who has helped to shape Professor Shiner’s advocacy and educational outreach.
Concluding her speech, Professor Shiner spoke about her extensive external roles and pointed out how she had contributed to national and international simulation pedagogy, which led to her appointment as Professor and further recognition through a National Teaching Fellowship.
“I won’t lie, I was nervous ahead of the event,” Professor Shiner reflected. “Though I was well supported with my family both in-person and viewing the livestream at home, childhood friends, both current and ex-colleagues, people I look up to within our profession, and our vice chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan OBE all traveling to listen to me!”
“Imposter syndrome had certainly set in, though the process of sharing my journey was a good reminder of the hard work I had put in over the years. It was an excellent turnout and many of us continued the celebrations into the evening.”
She added that her new title of Professor has encouraged her to continue lending a helping hand to those who are working towards their goals.
“I truly believe everyone has the potential within them to succeed at their own goals, more than ever with this appointment, I see it’s my duty to help others to reach them.”
(Image: Professor Heidi Fuller and Professor Trevor McMillan OBE present Professor Shiner with a locally made vase from Stoke-on-Trent given only to the appointed professors)