Thomas Rodgers
Associate Professor · Chemical Engineering Education
The University of ManchesterAbout
Thomas Rodgers serves as Reader in Chemical Engineering Education at The University of Manchester's School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, having joined in 2013 and progressed through Lecturer (2013), Senior Lecturer (2017), and Reader (2022) ranks. He previously held the leadership role of Discipline Head for Chemical Engineering Education (2019-2022), overseeing accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
His academic credentials include:
- PhD in Chemical Engineering from The University of Manchester (2011)
- MEng in Chemical Engineering with Chemistry from UMIST (2007)
Rodgers' research integrates pedagogical innovation with chemical engineering practice, focusing on student preparation for practical classes, rich-media learning material utilization, and authentic assessment methodologies. His parallel work in soft matter systems examines emulsion preparation theory, mixing scale-up challenges, and process tomography applications for formulated product manufacturing, frequently combining computational modeling with rheological analysis.
Recent publications reveal a pronounced shift toward inclusive educational frameworks, with significant attention to graduate teaching assistant mentoring, belonging initiatives, and digital simulation tools for thermodynamics/heat transfer instruction. This trajectory demonstrates growing emphasis on justice-oriented pedagogy and technology-enhanced flexible learning environments within engineering education.
His teaching excellence is recognized through multiple prestigious awards:
- IChemE Morton Medal (2024)
- UoM Teaching Excellence Award (Individual, 2024)
- Inclusive and Accessible Teaching Practice Award (2023)
- UoM Teaching Excellence Award (Group leader, 2021)
- Teacher of the Year (2016)
As an active supervisor accepting PhD students, Rodgers leads six research projects including 'Developing Practical Student Learning' and 'Chemical Engineering Education Innovation,' focusing on student learning outcomes, accreditation frameworks, and digital skills development. His grant portfolio spans engineering education research, soft matter processing, and food safety monitoring initiatives.
He actively contributes to the Chemical Engineering Education Innovation Centre and professional networks, recently chairing the IChemE Curriculum Workshop and serving on the UK and Ireland Engineering Education Research Network programme committee.
