Kirsty Jones

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) - Biology

Health, Education, Policing and Sciences

As I progressed through my undergraduate degree at the University of Wolverhampton, I chose to follow an environmental science pathway because of having developed a keen interest in plant biology. I then went on and completed a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham, where I focused on molecular biology and plant-microbe interactions.

In September 2020, I began my PhD degree at Staffordshire University, researching the yeast stress and programmed cell death response. Alongside my studies, I am a part-time lecturer and a member of the ‘Transition team’, where I provide teaching and support in study skills and professional development. 

Professional memberships and activities

  • Member of the Microbiology Society
  • Member of the Microbiology Society’s EDI Members panel
  • Member of the Genetics Society
  • Member of the Biochemical Society
  • Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB)
  • Member of the Society of Applied Microbiology

Academic qualifications

  • MSc in Molecular Biotechnology, University of Birmingham (2016)
  • BSc (Hons) in Applied Biological Sciences, University of Wolverhampton (2015)

Research interests

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Plant Biology
  • Plant-microbe interactions

Teaching

Undergraduate

  • Professional development
  • Study skills

Publications

Vesty, E.F., Whitbread, A.L., Needs, S., Tanko, W, Jones, K., Halliday, N., Ghaderiardakani, F., Liu, X., Cámara, M., Coates, J.C. Cross-kingdom signalling regulates spore germination in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Sci Rep 10, 2614 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59467-5

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025 & TIGA Best Games Intuition 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021