Professor Steven Tucker | People | The University of Aberdeen

Professor Steven Tucker

SFHEA, FBPhS

Personal Chair, Dean for Quality Assurance & Enhancement

Email Address: s.j.tucker@abdn.ac.uk
Telephone Number: +44 (0)1224 437491
Office Address: Room 6.32 Institute of Medical Sciences Foresterhill Aberdeen AB25 2ZD Telephone +44(0)1224 437491 Laboratory Telephone +44(0) 437518
School/Department: School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition
School/Department: Senior Vice Principals

Biography

I am currently a Professor of Pharmacology Education within the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, and the Dean of Quality Assurance and Enhancement at Insitutional level.

Here is my story so far:

Having been raised and schooled locally (Portlethen Academy), I graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a 1st class honours degree in Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology) in 2000, winning both the class prize and the University Quincentenary Award. I then completed my PhD studies in the laboratory of Professor Dave MacEwan in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen in 2004.

I then completed a series of post-doctoral research posts:

2003-2005 - University of Aberdeen - investigating cell signalling in liver fibrosis and the role that hepatic stellate cells play in liver pathology.
2005-2006 - Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh - studying antibody-targeted therapies in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
2006-2008 - University of Aberdeen - developing a state-of-the-art imaging system for studying signalling within neuronal growth cones.

In 2008, I moved into a more teaching centred role and became a Teaching Fellow in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. In 2010, I gained my first promotion, was further promoted in 2012 to Senior Teaching Fellow before becoming a Senior Lecturer (scholarship). I was promoted to Professor of Pharmacology Education in 2021.

Throughout these teaching posts, I have remained research active in areas relating to cell signalling, primarily involving the role cAMP binding proteins play in the pathology of breast cancer and how these might be targeted therapeutically.

Outside academia, I have a keen interest in music and play drums, bass guitar and keyboard (throwback to my youth in the 1980s!!). I also love sport including football, cricket, tennis, American football, cycling and golf.

Memberships and Affiliations

Internal Memberships

Committee Membership:

School / Institute

SMMSN examination board (UG and PG)

SMMSN executive teaching committee

SMMSN teaching and learning committee

SMMSN Mitigating circumstances committee

SMMSN practical assessment group

SMMSN written and anatomy assessment group

IEMHS student support group

Postgraduate course coordinators group

Postgraduate good cause committee

Postgraduate research project working group

Postgraduate plagiarism committee

ITR preparation working group

BSc Review Group

Blackboard Ultra Transition Group

University:

Chair of the Quality Assurance Commitee

Enhancement Theme Steering Group Convener

Enhancement Theme Community of Practice Convener

Academic Policy and Regulations Group Member

University Education Committee

University Student Support Committee

University Pastoral Review Working Group

University Student Monitoring, Absence and Engagement Working Group

Digital learning representative / elearning / VLE project

International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association Conference Organising Committee

External Memberships

Fellow of the British Pharmcological Society

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

External Examining:

UG external examiner at:

Newcastle University (Pharmacology; since 2016)
Swansea University (Medical Pharmacology; since 2018)
Leeds University (Pharmacology since 2022)

PG external examiner at:

University College London (Biomedical Science MSc; since 2020)

External Validation:

External validator for new UG pharmacology programmes in 2018, St George’s University London (Clinical Pharmacology) and Swansea University (Medical Pharmacology)

The British Pharmacological Society:

Pharmcology Matters Editor in Chief
Co-chair of Inclusive Education Steering Group
BPS ambassador coordinator

International Pharmacology Core Concepts Project:

Research Team Pharmacokinetics Co-Lead

Editorial Roles:

Invited to act as an editor for several high profile national and international journals / initiatives:

Pharmcology Matters Editor in Chief
British Journal of Pharmacology
Pharmacology Research and Perspectives
Scientific reports
Frontiers in Pharmacology
RxN Glossary of Drug Discovery project (2018-19)

Latest Publications

Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology: A global initiative
2024 - Published
Guilding, C., White, P. J., Cunningham, M., Kelly-Laubscher, R., Koenig, J., Babey, A. M., Tucker, S., Kelly, J. P., Gorman, L., Aronsson, P., Hawes, M., Ngo, S. N., Misfud, J., Werners, A. H., Hinton, T., Khan, F., Aljofan, M., Angelo, T.
British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 181, no. 3, pp. 375-392
Contributions to Journals: Articles
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.16222
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/22857/1/Guilding_etal_BJP_Defining_And_Unpacking_VoR.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
A self-directed interactive learning environment to conduct dose-response analysis.
2023 - Published
Nath, M., Tucker, S.
Contributions to Conferences: Oral Presentations
An inclusive strategy to enhance equity and quality of research-led teaching experience
2023 - Published
Kyle, J., Nath, M., MacCallum, D., Poobalan, A., Tucker, S.
Contributions to Conferences: Oral Presentations
Principles for inclusive implementation of the undergraduate pharmacology core curriculum
2022 - Published
Tucker, S. J., Zecharia, A.
Pharmacology Research and Perspectives, vol. 10, no. 6, e01023
Contributions to Journals: Comments and Debates
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/prp2.1023
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/21621/1/Tucker_etal_PRP_Principles_For_Inclusive_VoR.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus
The role of Popeye domain‐containing protein 1 (POPDC1) in the progression of the malignant phenotype
2022 - Published
Tucker, S., Zorn, A.
British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 179, no. 12, pp. 2829-2843
Contributions to Journals: Articles
- [ONLINE] DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.15403
- [OPEN ACCESS] http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/18550/1/Tucker_etal_BJP_The_role_of_VOR.pdf
- [ONLINE] View publication in Scopus

View My Publications

Prizes and Awards

Rang Prize for contributions to Pharmacology Education Awarded by the British Pharmacological Society 2019.

Funniest Lecturer Award - University of Aberdeen Excellence Awards 2020, 2021, 2022

Postgraduate Best Lecturer Award - University of Aberdeen Excellence Awards 2014

Undergraduate Best Lecturer Award - University of Aberdeen Excellence Awards 2011

Nominations for various teaching and support roles through the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen University Students' Association 2010-2022.

Research

Research Overview

General Interests

Mammalian cell signalling cascades and targeting these pharmacologically.

Reproductive physiology and its endocrine control.

Current Interests

Examining the role of the novel cAMP binding Popeye Domain Containing (POPDC) proteins in breast cancer. Particularly how these proteins are involved in proliferative and migratory control.

Pedagogic Research

Development of core curricula and associated learning resources for pharmacology teaching and learning.

Development and enhancement of innovative methods for teaching life sciences, especially relating to practical skills and practical classes.

Previous Research

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) signalling in human cancer cells

Studied the control of cellular fate downstream of TNF-receptor activation and focussed mainly on promotion of survival (NF-kB) versus promotion of apoptosis (c-Jun N-terminal kinase). Investigated inhibitory cross talk between these opposing signalling cascades.

Liver fibrosis and signalling in the hepatic stellate cell (HSC)

Investigated inflammatory signalling in HSCs and their correlation with liver fibrosis. Studied mechanisms of selectively inducing apoptosis in these cells using a fungal toxin (gliotoxin), which interacted directly with the intrinsic apoptotic pathway at the level of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT).

Current Research

Ongoing Research

Investigating the downregulation of cAMP binding Popeye Domain Containing (PODC) proteins in breast cancer. In particular down regulation of POPDC proteins coincides with cancer initiation and correlates with increased proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. As transmembrane proteins, POPDCs play a key role in cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix, and one of the early steps in its dysregulation during malignant development is withdrawal from the membrane. Current research is investigating the mechanisms behind this and whether stabilisation of te protein within the membrane may reduce the progression of the malignant phenotype in breast cancer.

Pedagogy

Currently involved in national and international projects developing core pharmacology curricula and resources to support its delivery.

I am also engaged in pedagogic research aimed at developing interactive and innovative practical teaching practices to enhance the student learning experience. Also, involved in enriching hands-on practical teaching, which I feel is a central component of any science degree. Specifically, I have done a lot of work developing teaching practices for pharmacokinetics - a key aspect of pharmacology.

I also have interests in student retention, and the development and implementation of provisions and centralised frameworks to support students from all backgrounds through all aspects of their degree studies.

Collaborations

Collaborations ongoing with Swansea University to use blackworms as an in vivo model organism for pharmacology practical teaching.

Funding and Grants

Dates	Funding body	Title
2014 – 2017	University of Aberdeen (Elphinstone Scholarship)	The roles of Popdc proteins in the migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells

2017-18	Internship funding from School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition University of Aberdeen	Development of an online pharmacokinetics module
2016-17	University of Aberdeen (LTEP)	Development of interactive laboratory simulations for induction of incoming PG students
2015-16	University of Aberdeen (LTEP)	Joining the dots between conversion, induction and retention
2013-14	University of Aberdeen (LTEP)	Student-led development of pharmacokinetic resource hub
2012-13	University of Aberdeen (LTEP)	Development of maths skills support tutorials for medical science students

2019-2020	BPS Teaching Grant	A simple, interactive and user-friendly application to conduct dose-response analysis
2014-15	BPS Teaching Grant	Development of flexible practical suite for pharmacokinetic teaching
2012-13	BPS Teaching Grant	Bringing pharmacokinetics to life with a simple laboratory exercise

Teaching

Programmes

BSc Pharmacology
Undergraduate, 4 year, September start
Programme coordinator
BSc Immunology and Pharmacology
Undergraduate, 4 year, September start
Programme coordinator
BSc Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology)
Undergraduate, 4 year, September start
Programme coordinator
MSc Clinical Pharmacology
Postgraduate, 3 stage, September start
Programme coordinator
MSc Drug Discovery and Development
Postgraduate, 3 stage, September start
Programme coordinator

Courses

Teaching Responsibilities

Degree programme coordinator for:

BSc (Hons) Pharmacology

BSc (Hons) Immunology and Pharmacology (with Dr Isabel Crane)

MSc Clinical Pharmacology

MSc Drug Discovery and Development

Course Co-ordinator for:

BI25B2 - Physiology of Human Organ Systems

PA3004 - Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology

PA4303 - Current Topics in Pharmacological Research

MT5010 - MSc Induction

MT5518 - Pharmacokinetics

Contributions made to the following courses:

SM1001 (Introduction to Medical Sciences), SX1006 (The Mind Machine), SM1501 (The Cell), SX1505 (Science and the Media), SM2001 (Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences), BI20B2 (Physiology of Human Cells), SM2001 (Foundation Skills for Medical Scientists), SM2501 (Research Skills for Medical Sciences), BI25B2 (Physiology of Human Organ Systems), SM3002 (Frontiers of Biomedical Sciences), PA3004 (Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology), PA4005 (Molecular Pharmacology), PA4303 (Current Topics in Pharmacolgical Research), BM4501 (BMS honours projects), SM4901 (Honours General Paper), SM4902 (Honours Data Analysis Paper), BT5007 (Industrial placement year), MT5010 (MSc Induction), BT5013 (Small Molecule Drug Discovery), MT5024 (Molecular Pharmacology), MT5029 (Toxicology), MT5024 (Molecular Pharmacology), MT5518 (Pharmacokinetics), MB5903 (MSc Research Project).

Publications

Update

Biography

Memberships and Affiliations

Latest Publications

Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology: A global initiative

A self-directed interactive learning environment to conduct dose-response analysis.

An inclusive strategy to enhance equity and quality of research-led teaching experience

Principles for inclusive implementation of the undergraduate pharmacology core curriculum

The role of Popeye domain‐containing protein 1 (POPDC1) in the progression of the malignant phenotype

Prizes and Awards

Research Overview

Current Research

Collaborations

Funding and Grants

Programmes

Courses

Teaching Responsibilities

Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology: A global initiative

A self-directed interactive learning environment to conduct dose-response analysis.

An inclusive strategy to enhance equity and quality of research-led teaching experience

Principles for inclusive implementation of the undergraduate pharmacology core curriculum

The role of Popeye domain‐containing protein 1 (POPDC1) in the progression of the malignant phenotype

Themed issue: New avenues in cancer prevention and treatment (BJP 75th Anniversary)

An evaluation of Medical Sciences skills to inform Co-curricular Enhancement

Developing a new undergraduate pharmacology core curriculum: The British Pharmacological Society Delphi Method

Design of an innovative, interactive 3D printing project for final year UG pharmacology students - enhancing the link between science and the public

Development of a progressive transition management module for induction of postgraduate taught students into medical science programmes

Use of a 3D printing project to develop and expedite student experience of public outreach / engagement to enhance societal trust in pharmacology

BPS membership: Initiatives and analysis

Physiology 2019, Aberdeen

Development of flexible experiential learning exercises to deliver online practical teaching

Structure-function relationships, 3D printing and public engagement – developing teaching exercises to integrate core principles and communication skills with a modern technological approach

Subject benchmarks for quality assurance and course enhancement

Developing an online pharmacokinetics package

Enhancement of pharmacology teaching through engagement with visual interactive learning approaches

Humanised model systems for practical teaching and demonstration of pharmacokinetic processess

Use of 3D printing in teaching to bring together structure-activity relationships, drug design and public engagement with pharmacology

Two Years On: How the Core Curriculum has Shaped Pharmacology Courses at the University of Aberdeen

Music, the medicine for my mind

Subject benchmarks for quality assurance and enhancement

Dysregulation of POPDC1 promotes breast cancer cell migration and proliferation

Flexible, adaptable practical solutions for teaching pharmacokinetics

POPDC1 is suppressed in human breast cancer tissues and is negatively regulated by EGFR in breast cancer cell lines

Retention toolkit design for at risk student groups

Education at Pharmacology 2016

Wet and dry approaches to enhancing contextual understanding of pharmacokinetics

POPDC proteins as potential novel therapeutic targets in cancer

Wet and dry approaches to enhancing contextual understanding of pharmacokinetics in undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacology teaching

Wet and dry approaches to enhancing contextual understanding of pharmacokinetics in undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacology teaching

Loss of POPDC protein expression promotes a more malignant phenotype in glioblastoma and breast cancer cells

Development of an innovative teaching toolbox for pharmacokinetics

Popdc proteins: novel targets in inhibiting breast cancer cell migration and proliferation

Popdc proteins: a novel class of cAMP-binding molecules that affect breast cancer and glioblastoma cell migration and proliferation

Development of an innovative teaching toolbox for pharmacokinetics

The cAMP-producing agonist beraprost inhibits human vascular smooth muscle cell migration via exchange protein directly activated by cAMP

Inception of an online skills resource for medical science undergraduates: The School of Medical Science Skills Support Centre

A1-adenosine acute withdrawal response and cholecystokinin-8 induced contractures are regulated by Ca2+- and ATP-activated K+ channels

An Evolving Journey – transitions of the teaching fellow

Automated student engagement analytics: a short cut to transition monitoring?

Creation of a retention toolkit to support at risk student cohorts

Fresh approaches to persistent problems: Innovative case studies in transition management

Novel downstream signaling molecules in the cAMP pathway as targets for modulating cancer cell division and migration

Solve your own problems! Peer designed and student led methods for transition through the threshold concepts of pharmacokinetics

Transition management case study: creating a transition tool box

Crossing the threshold: the use of simple model practicals to enhance the student experience in pharmacokinetics

Developing an interactive support database for pharmacokinetics teaching

Development of interactive online resources to support and enhance numerical skills among Medical Science students

Enhancing laboratory experience using QuestionMark and feedback loops to drive decision-based learning

Experiential simulations as a tool for enhancing learning

Multi-dimensional retention support for the modern diverse student population

Open your Is and you won’t fall off the bicycle

Supporting the acquisition of pharmacokinetic principles through the use of mathematically-based spread sheet models

The use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to measure axon growth and guidance-related intracellular signalling in live dorsal root ganglia neuronal growth cones

Efficient cell transfection with melamine-based gemini surfactants

Overcoming a threshold concept within pharmacology

Promoting retention across the School of Medical Sciences by providing flexible support strategies

The use of QuestionMark to deliver flexible "decision driven" learning: Poster and Webinar contribution

The use of QuestionMark to deliver flexible "decision-driven" learning

Design of an interactive Western blotting simulation for life science students

Retention in the School of Medical Sciences

Flexible assessments in the 6th Century Course the Mind Machine

A1-adenosine acute withdrawal response and cholecystokinin-8 induced contractures are regulated by Ca²⁺- and ATP-activated K⁺ channels