Biddy Casselden began her role as Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences in 2001, but her links with the University go back to the late 80s, when she first came to us as an undergraduate student. Since then, she has studied her Masters at Northumbria, and worked in a variety of roles around the University, from research associate to academic librarian. Biddy says she has always "gravitated back to the University - it's like a magnet pulling me! I'm comfortable at Northumbria, and it sort of feels like home now. It's part of my life and has made me the person I am today".
 
For Biddy, one of the key benefits of working at Northumbria is that it enables her to have a healthy work/life balance. She has two children, aged 6 and 8, and says the University has been very supportive and accommodating of her role as a mother. This support includes a fractional contract which allows her to work full time but have additional leave during the half term periods.
 
The University is currently supporting Biddy to undertake a professional doctorate, which she says will further improve her career prospects. "It really demonstrates Northumbria's commitment to development and progression. And I think, in the long run, it also makes for more motivated staff members"

Biddy Casselden
Senior Lecturer 
Faculty of Engineering & Environment