Have you ever wondered what makes your course tutors tick? Inside ICE meets some of the Institute's new faces to find out more about them: from why they're fascinated by their specialist subjects to their hidden talents and even their desert island discs...

Dr Hazel Stewart

Course: Undergraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases

Subject specialism: Molecular Virology

Why should people study this course?

We will all be infected with a huge variety of infectious agents at multiple points in our life and it is fascinating to study how these organisms live and why some cause terrible diseases whilst others are beneficial to us. This course encourages you to view public health, medicine and microbiology in a whole new light. 

How is it relevant to our current world? 

The pandemic has really brought viruses and microbiology into the public focus and people are starting to realise how vital it is to understand these tiny but important pathogens. Even before this situation, I think people were starting to realise that infectious disease has so many contributing aspects – the environment, our social behaviour, and our technological advances – that it is incredibly complex but interesting and rewarding to study.

Why are you interested in teaching adults in particular?

Young students fresh out of school tend to study subjects that they’re good at, or those which they have been told will provide a good career. But adults choose to return to study only when they’re really interested in something... that gives them a whole different motivation; it’s really inspiring to teach them and see that commitment.

What’s your hidden talent?

I’m a qualified dance teacher and, until recently, I used to teach dance classes one or two nights a week. I stopped because it’s too difficult to juggle with science and parenting now that I have a toddler! It’s a great way to de-stress, get some exercise and make friends.

What’s your favourite meal?

My mom’s salt beef, roast potatoes and homemade coleslaw salad.

What was your first job?

When I was 14, I had a job stacking returned books in the local library on a Saturday morning. It kept me out of trouble and I appreciated the pocket money!

Learn more

Find out more about Dr Hazel Stewart and the Undergraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases.

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This was originally published in our Long-Vacation - Michaelmas 2021 issue of Inside ICE.