David Bell

Associate Dean for External Activities

Unlike many academics who have spent most of their adult lives in academia, I left school at the age of 16 and became a Technician Apprentice at Thorn EMI Domestic Appliances Ltd where I studied for an ONC and later an HNC in Mechanical Engineering.  After completing these in 1980, I became a Mechanical Design Draughtsman and, a year later, enrolled on the part-time BSc in Industrial Technology at Newcastle Polytechnic.  During this time, I became a Project Engineer at Thorn EMI but still pressed on with my studies to graduate in 1985 with a Commendation.

I then left Thorn EMI to study full-time on a Masters Degree in Computer Aided Engineering at Teesside Polytechnic for a year, before returning to Thorn EMI as a Manufacturing Engineer in the Refrigeration unit.  After a further year I decided to move to Moores International where I became Engineering manager, then moved again in 1988 to Electrolux Refrigeration at Spennymoor.

In 1992, I decided to change careers and became a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at Newcastle Polytechnic where I found my work experience could be put to good use. I specialised in Manufacturing Techniques and Manufacturing Systems and set up a lab to teach Industrial Automation. I also set up a Teaching Company Scheme and really enjoyed developing real links between the School and industry.

In 2001, I became a Principal Lecturer and took on the role of Programme Director for the School and ensured that all of our programmes followed the relevant quality assurance procedures. In 2002, after a university wide restructure, I became Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching within the School of Engineering and, after further restructuring in 2004, I became Associate Dean (External Activity) for the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences. While this role involves lots of travel, I get a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from seeing the international students I have got to know personally, graduating and, literally, changing their lives. On the other side, I also get to maintain and develop links with business and look to improve our links with industry.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking and watching my son play cricket and have an interest in old steam engines and own a small traction engine, which I tinker with whenever I get the chance.

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