Dr Alexandra Moores completed her PhD in Microbiology in the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent in 2014. Under the supervision of Dr Ian Blomfield, she investigated the role of transcription anti-termination and small RNAs (sRNAs) in the regulation of the virulence factor type 1 fimbriae in Escherichia coli.
Following this, she undertook a postdoctoral research associate role in the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology at University College London (UCL). Her research focused on the regulation of novel sRNAs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with particular emphasis on RNA biology and pathogenicity in the leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent.
In 2017, Alexandra returned to the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent, where she broadened her research expertise through a postdoctoral position with Dr Neil Kad, developing in vivo single-molecule fluorescent imaging approaches to study DNA repair complexes in E. coli.
In 2020, she joined the School of Biosciences as a Lecturer in Microbiology.
Alongside her disciplinary teaching, Alexandra has developed a strong engagement with student success, academic advising, and inclusive education. She currently leads Academic Advising initiatives across the University of Kent. Her work focuses on enhancing the student experience through structured, developmental advising approaches, improving engagement and retention, and supporting students from Access and Participation Plan target groups.
She has led large-scale initiatives including the coordination of Welcome Week, the development of advising resources and training, and the implementation of scalable systems to support student engagement and progression. Alexandra is also actively involved in scholarship and dissemination of practice, with published work on feedback literacy and peer review, and invited presentations on student support and advising practices.
Alexandra’s research spans both microbiology and higher education practice.
In microbiology, she retains an active interest in prokaryotic regulation of type 1 fimbriae, small RNAs, antimicrobials, and gene regulation.
In higher education, her research and scholarly activity focus on student success, academic advising, and inclusive practice. This includes the development of effective advising frameworks, feedback literacy, peer learning, student engagement and belonging, and interventions to support retention and progression—particularly for students from underrepresented and widening participation backgrounds. She is particularly interested in the use of data-informed and holistic approaches to enhance the student journey and improve outcomes across the lifecycle.
Undergraduate:
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