Senior Lecturer, Bristol Dental School
Angela is a supervisor, a mentor and a manager who works tirelessly to support her supervisees to blossom as confident and independent researchers. She encourages students to search scientific knowledge, direct them for various training sources, listen to their interests and curiosities while setting an example by continuously updating her knowledge, doing lab work with students despite her hectic schedule and valuing the supervisees intellectual contributions. When Bristol Dental School moved to the new location, there were over 6 months period of disruptions to wet lab research due to the lab closure, she worked determinedly to make sure all researchers in the Bristol dental school would utilise the affected time productively and efficiently. She individually met with researchers, came up with plans to resuscitate their research. She has been phenomenal supervisor and well deserved to be recognised for her commitment.
When I first met Dr Nobbs I knew immediately I wanted to work in her lab, on her project. I was convinced not by the content of the project, or the facilities on offer, but by her pure passion for the subject. It shone through in her every action. Her excitement for research was infectious, and it is evident throughout her lab that it is impossible to escape this. She has rubbed off on every member of the lab. Without her passion and personality the lab would be unrecognisable, every single researcher working there owes Ang a huge amount for driving them to strive further in their own learning.
During our weekly lab meetings, we discuss our plans for the week, any data we have collected and if we are having any problems. This lab meeting format set by Angela lends itself to discussions about what possible next steps to take or things we might need to include. When people practise talks (for example 3, minute thesis talks) or if we talk about our plans, Angela encourages us all to provide feedback to other group members first before she shares her comments instead of just her giving feedback, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s opinions are equal.
Ang has a knack for inspiring curiosity in their students. Her genuine excitement about research is contagious, planting the seeds of wonder that blossom into lifelong learners. When experiments hit snags or hypotheses fizzle, Ang provides the steady guidance and encouragement to help students view these bumps as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. But most importantly, Ang takes the time to really understand each student’s unique interests and motivations. They thoughtfully tailor projects to align with those passions, creating an environment where curiosity thrives. Under their supportive mentorship, students develop the grit, enthusiasm, and inquisitive mindset needed to flourish as researchers.
Dr. Nobbs encourages the PGR community to take part in the Infection and Immunology group events and activities; Microbiology Society activities and to attend the British Division of the International Association of Oral and Dental Research ECR event held in Bristol.
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