In the spotlight: Dr Andrew Bengry
I am a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bath Spa University and the Senior Academic Advisor for Psychology. I joined the University in 2015, so have been here for ten years. Before that I worked at the University of Bath and the University of Southampton.
I teach the psychology research methods module at Level 5 but also deliver sessions on qualitative methods at Level 4, and at Level 6 as part of the dissertation module. I also lead a Level 6 module on psychology and social justice, which explores the psychosocial processes that shape our social identities and (re)produce social inequalities.
In addition to my teaching role, I am the Senior Academic Advisor in Psychology. This means that I oversee the academic advisory system in Psychology and support individual Academic Advisors. I am also the main contact for students if they have an academic issue, which they haven’t been able to resolve with their Academic Advisor.
What initially attracted you to BSU?
I have studied and worked at a range of universities and have experience of how different institutions operate.
What initially attracted me to BSU was the accessibility of the university and diversity of the student population.
I have worked at ‘elite’ institutions, which are highly competitive and only accessible to students who get the highest A and A* grades. What I liked about BSU was that the students were diverse and came from all walks of life. I really liked the friendly academic staff who were genuinely committed to teaching and supporting students.
The size of the campus was a factor too. I welcomed the opportunity to work on a small campus where you could be part of a community. The setting was pretty impressive too. There can’t be that many campuses with such an array of wildlife.
What inspired you to enter your field?
I entered higher education as a mature student, having previously worked as a youth worker. After I graduated with a degree in Psychology and Sociology, I completed an MPhil in Cultural Studies, a PhD in Psychology, and then worked as a qualitative researcher on a series of projects, which mostly focused on young people and identity.
My interest in young people has been a constant inspiration in my career. I have worked with young people from disadvantaged and privileged backgrounds and am very interested in how young people negotiate the transition into adulthood.
Working in higher education, I have an opportunity to play a part in that transitionary period and pass on what I hope is powerful knowledge.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career to date?
There have been many memorable moments in my career, but probably the most memorable was getting my PhD.
I am from a working-class background, went to a comprehensive school and was first in my family to go to university. When I started my degree, I had no idea how I was going to complete it, but I did and kept going until I had a PhD.
Name one thing that makes you feel proud to work at BSU.
The thing that makes me proud of BSU are the students and my colleagues. I have met some amazing people since I have worked at the University, and it makes me proud to be in their company.
What are your top tips for upcoming Psychology students?
Try and make your time at university the most useful and beneficial time for you!
This is not about passing assignments and collecting certificates, it is an opportunity to transform yourself and develop knowledge and understanding that will help you to negotiate the complex world we live in and succeed in the areas that interest you.
What current trends do you see influencing your field?
Artificial Intelligence is arguably the current trend that is having the most influence in my field. I am quite nervous about this and hope that people will find ways of using it that will boost human intelligence, rather than using it as a substitute for thinking.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I imagined that I would effortlessly churn out wonderful tales, which would be a pleasure to write and read. As things turned out, I found writing quite difficult and nowhere near as much fun as I envisaged. I think that is why I ended up becoming a lecturer.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?
As I walk around the campus, I am quietly envious of the people who work for estates and maintain the campus grounds. If I could switch jobs with someone, it would be one of the gardeners. You would find me somewhere down by the lake.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to listen to music, watch movies, walk my dog and cook. At an earlier point in my life, I thought I wanted to train to become a vegetarian chef but decided to study psychology instead.
What do you think makes the Psychology department at BSU stand out?
The staff team and their dedication to students. We are very lucky to have such an amazing staff team in Psychology at BSU.
In one word, what does BSU means to you?
Community.