Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Awards
Professional Memberships
Scientific publications
Timeline
Generic

Kamalika Sengupta

Leeds,West Yorkshire

Summary

Experienced education and research professional with a proven classroom credibility, deep curriculum knowledge in all three sciences and insight into how assessment supports learning. Skilled in evidence-based teaching, assessment design, academic writing, and data analysis. Proven leadership and mentoring ability, with experience in multidisciplinary teams and international collaboration. Adaptable and culturally aware, having lived and worked across India and the UK. Career goal: to apply critical thinking and subject expertise to drive educational quality, fair assessment, and curriculum development.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Private tutor

Multiple tutoring agencies/self
Leeds, West Yorkshire
02.2025 - Current
  • Implemented personalised learning strategies to address the unique needs of each student, ensuring that every learner received the support required for their individual success.
  • Simplified complex concepts into easily digestible and accessible information, fostering a deeper understanding and boosting student confidence in their ability to grasp challenging content.
  • Prepared students for exams, focusing on targeted revision strategies and exam techniques, which contributed to improved performance and higher achievement levels across the board.

GCSE Chemistry Examiner

AQA
Leeds, Leeds
01.2025 - Current
  • Assess candidate responses in GCSE Chemistry using AQA’s mark scheme, ensuring accurate, fair, and consistent marking through standardisation training and adherence to national assessment criteria.

Lead Assessment Writer

AQA
Leeds
07.2024 - Current
  • Applied subject matter expertise and strong writing skills to create high-quality assessment materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with AQA's requirements.
  • Adhered to AQA's guidelines for consistency, professionalism, and alignment with national standards.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritising effectively to ensure the timely completion of all deliverables while maintaining high quality.
  • Incorporated feedback to continuously improve the quality of assessment materials, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the intended learning outcomes.
  • Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, carefully fitting questions to the appropriate grade level and ensuring clarity and accessibility for all students.


Teacher of Science

Allerton Grange School
Leeds, West Yorkshire
07.2022 - Current
  • Effectively manage a demanding timetable of 60 contact hours per fortnight through meticulous planning, organisation, and adaptability—making informed decisions to balance curriculum coverage, pupil support, and workload.
  • Employ expert classroom management strategies to maximise learning time and maintain a calm, purposeful environment, adjusting pacing, grouping, or task complexity in response to real-time classroom dynamics.
  • Break down complex scientific concepts into accessible learning sequences, identify misconceptions, and scaffold tasks—drawing on deep subject knowledge across biology, chemistry, and physics.
  • Design and deliver formative and summative assessments, and use resulting data to make informed teaching decisions—for example, re-teaching key content where trends in student misconceptions were identified, or adapting curriculum sequencing to better support long-term retention.
  • Lead the Year 9 science curriculum, making strategic decisions about lesson sequencing, assessment content, and teaching materials to ensure coherence, progression, and curriculum alignment.
  • Communicate student progress and learning behaviours through reports and parent-teacher meetings; organise enrichment opportunities including science trips, and provide pastoral care during form time (e.g. PSHE delivery and reading interventions).
  • Engage in continuous professional development, including a current research project on embedding evidence-based practices into classroom instruction and decision-making around assessment and curriculum design.

Committee Member (volunteer role)

Royal Meteorological Society Yorkshire Local Centre
Leeds, West Yorkshire
07.2021 - Current

Supported the committee in organising and coordinating monthly public talks on weather and climate, ensuring smooth logistics.

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Leeds
Leeds, England, England
07.2018 - 08.2021
  • Developed and validated a UK Met Office climate model to investigate the impact of meteoric particles on the Arctic polar vortex, quickly understanding the model not only to run it but also to contribute to its development and improvement.
  • Led aspects of project management, coordinating timelines, ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Conducted exploratory data analysis and data visualisation to interpret complex atmospheric datasets, supporting the evaluation and refinement of the climate model.
  • Communicated findings through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations, effectively engaging both specialist and broader audiences in understanding the significance of the research.
  • Fostered collaboration through knowledge-transfer activities with interdisciplinary project partners.

Academic Mentor

Lawnswood School
Leeds, West Yorkshire
02.2021 - 07.2021
  • Worked four days per week in school while concurrently employed as a Research Scientist at the University of Leeds (1 day per week), demonstrating exceptional time management skills and a strong commitment to both education and research.
  • Delivered targeted science lessons to small groups of Year 10 and Year 11 students (up to 10 per group), focusing on closing knowledge gaps, developing exam techniques, and raising attainment among disadvantaged pupils affected by lockdown. This role leveraged my deep subject knowledge across biology, chemistry, and physics, and required rapid comprehension of curriculum and assessment frameworks.
  • Adapted teaching strategies to meet individual learning needs, resulting in improved engagement and measurable academic progress.
  • Built strong, professional relationships with students, managing behaviour effectively and supporting their academic growth.
  • Provided additional support to KS3 and KS4 learners in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department, alongside my main duties as a science academic mentor.

Chair (volunteer role)

Royal Meteorological Society Yorkshire Local Centre
Leeds, West Yorkshire
07.2019 - 07.2021
  • Led a diverse committee of students, faculty, and retired professionals to successfully deliver monthly public science events, maintaining consistency and professionalism.
  • Steered the transition of in-person events to online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating closely with society headquarters on planning, implementation, and providing training to committee members.
  • Chaired committee meetings and public talks, facilitating inclusive discussions and leading collaborative decision-making processes to ensure event success.
  • Acted as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders, handling public inquiries and fostering positive relationships to enhance the society's reputation.
  • Ensured continuity and accessibility of public engagement during a period of disruption, supporting committee members and keeping team morale high.
  • Took strategic decisions based on collective input, ensuring that the society's mission and values were upheld in all public activities and events.

PhD Tutor

The Brilliant Club
Leeds, West Yorkshire
11.2019 - 06.2021
  • Delivered a course of six tutorials on climate change to Key Stage 3 pupils at three schools in Leeds, Hull, and Bradford through The Scholars Programme.
  • Coached pupils through teacher-led explanations, identifying misconceptions and providing personalised verbal and written feedback to enhance their understanding.
  • Facilitated progress across all assessment criteria, including subject knowledge, critical thinking, research skills, and written communication, while fostering improved metacognition.
  • Achieved significant improvements in students' ability to use research evidence, develop critical thinking, build coherent arguments, and structure their work, with most pupils showing the most improvement in these areas.

Vice President ofPublic Relations (volunteer role)

Leeds City Toastmasters
Leeds, England, England
07.2018 - 06.2021
  • Increased brand awareness of Toastmasters International and promoted club activities and member achievements through proactive local media outreach and a consistent, engaging social media presence.
  • Actively participated in training events to support continuous development in communication and leadership skills.
  • Served as a judge and held other roles at both club and area-level speech contests, applying rigorous evaluation criteria and providing fair, constructive feedback to participants.
  • Established and managed the club's social media channels, acting as the primary point of contact for external queries and ensuring GDPR compliance by drafting and implementing the club's privacy policy.
  • Maintained and updated the club website, adding user-friendly features and creating engaging content to drive recruitment and sustain member engagement.
  • Initiated and produced a monthly club newsletter during the COVID-19 lockdown using MailChimp, ensuring continued member connection and morale during a challenging period.
  • Recognised for service and leadership with the Competent Leadership Award from Toastmasters International, reflecting my commitment to effective communication and leadership within the organisation.

Language Editor (volunteer role)

Open Geosciences
Leeds, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
08.2015 - 06.2021
  • Provided editorial feedback to authors on English language grammar, structure, and content flow, ensuring clarity and coherence in their writing.

Volunteer with STEM outreach (volunteer role)

University of Leeds
Leeds
01.2017 - 08.2019
  • Participated in University events such as "Weather and Water" and STEM taster days to demonstrate activities such as cloud in a bottle to KS2 and KS3 students visiting the University.
  • Delivered after-school STEM sessions at schools on STEM topics.

Publicity Coordinator (volunteer role)

Royal Meteorological Centre - Yorkshire Local Centre
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.2014 - 07.2019
  • Designed posters, flyers, and regular emails to communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences.
  • Advertised events through various channels, including the website, social media, newsletters, and magazines, and created compelling advertising content.
  • Planned upcoming talks based on audience interest, liaised with potential speakers, and co-hosted public talks alongside other committee members.
  • Supported the planning and organisation of monthly talks and social events, including BBQs and photo competitions, fostering community engagement and participation.

Postgraduate researcher

University of Leeds
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2013 - 10.2017
  • Managed own research project by effective time management, prioritisation and planning.
  • Produced a thesis by identifying gaps in existing scientific knowledge, designing research and providing appropriate solutions using data analysis, modelling resources and statistical techniques.
  • Enhanced communication skills by delivering research presentations at international conferences, outreach events and publishing in scientific journals.
  • Demonstrated resilience, adaptability and team-working skills through working in a large, dynamic international collaboration often in high-stress conditions.


Research Associate

Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
New Delhi, India, India
08.2011 - 06.2013
  • Derived key insights into the aerosol–cloud–rainfall relationship over the Indo-Gangetic Plains through satellite data analysis.
  • Published peer-reviewed research articles and presented at international conferences, contributing to the field of atmospheric science.
  • Assisted in organising a national-level workshop on remote sensing, supporting event logistics and academic programming.
  • Mentored colleagues and worked as a teaching assistant, facilitating student learning.
  • Simultaneously prepared for the NET fellowship for junior researcher and lecturer, TOEFL and the GRE to successfully receive multiple fully funded PhD offers from USA, Canada and the UK - demonstrating strong self-motivation, forward-thinking, discipline and the ability to manage multiple professional priorities.


Home Tutor

Self-employed
Kolkata, India, India
08.2006 - 07.2011
  • Tutored students aged 11-16 individually or in small groups, focusing on science and other subjects to reinforce understanding and support academic growth.
  • Supported pupils in mastering fundamental concepts, assessing and challenging their understanding to build a solid academic foundation.
  • Liaised with parents to provide regular updates and collaborate on strategies to support students' learning and progress.

Education

Certificate of Higher Education - PGCE

University of Leeds
Leeds
06.2022

Doctor of Philosophy - Atmospheric Science

University Of Leeds
Leeds
2018

Master of Science - Atmospheric Science

University of Calcutta
Kolkata
2011

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

University of Calcutta
Kolkata
2009

Skills

  • Deep subject knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics (KS3–KS5)
  • Effective teaching, tutoring, assessment design, and curriculum planning
  • Strong team player with mentoring and leadership experience
  • Academic/scientific writing and data analysis (R, IDL, MATLAB, Excel)
  • Resilient, adaptable and self-motivated under pressure
  • Excellent attention to detail and critical thinker
  • Experienced in managing digital platforms and educational outreach
  • Commitment to Continuous Professional Development:

Languages

Bengali
Native language
English
Master or proficient
C2
Hindi
Advanced
C1

Awards

  • National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching (NPQLT)
    Department for Education, UK – Awarded 2025
    A nationally recognised leadership qualification focused on developing expertise in curriculum design, effective teaching, and supporting colleagues to improve classroom practice and student outcomes.
  • Royal Society of Chemistry Scholarship
    England, UK – Awarded 2021
    Awarded to train as a secondary chemistry teacher in England, recognising subject knowledge and potential to contribute to science education.
  • Competent Leadership Award
    Toastmasters International – Awarded 2020
    In recognition of leadership roles and contributions to the club. Toastmasters International is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to communication and leadership development, with clubs in over 200 countries and territories.
  • Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher Scholarship
    European Union – Awarded 2013
    Funded by the European Commission under the CLOUD-TRAIN Initial Training Network. Conducted research at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) as part of the international CLOUD experiment, focusing on atmospheric science and climate modelling.
  • CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) Fellowship
    India – Awarded 2012
    Awarded for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and eligibility for Lectureship/Assistant Professorship in India. This is a national-level competitive fellowship awarded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and University Grants Commission (UGC), recognising high academic merit and research potential in science and technology disciplines.

Professional Memberships


  • Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) (since 2021)
  • The Chartered College of Teaching (since 2021)
  • Toastmasters International (since 2018)
  • Past memberships: Royal Meteorological Society, American Geophysical Union and European Geophysical Union, Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere & Forest (LEAF)


Scientific publications

Peer-reviewed journal articles:

  • Sengupta, K. , Pringle, K., Johnson, J. S., Reddington, C., Scott, C. E., & Carslaw, K. (2020). A global model perturbed parameter ensemble study of secondary organic aerosol formation. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions , 1-47.
  • Lehtipalo, K., Yan, C., Dada, L., Bianchi, F., Xiao, M., Wagner, R., ... & Worsnop, D. R. (2018). Multicomponent new particle formation from sulfuric acid, ammonia, and biogenic vapors. Science advances , 4(12), eaau5363.
  • Nichman, L., Järvinen, E., Dorsey, J., Connolly, P., Duplissy, J., Fuchs, C., ... & Gallagher, M. (2017). Intercomparison study and optical asphericity measurements of small ice particles in the CERN CLOUD experiment. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques , 10(9), 3231-3248.
  • Wagner, R., Yan, C., Lehtipalo, K., Duplissy, J., Nieminen, T., Kangasluoma, J., ... & Kulmala, M. (2017). The role of ions in new particle formation in the CLOUD chamber. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics , 17(24), 15181-15197.
  • Gordon, H., Sengupta, K. , Rap, A., Duplissy, J., Frege, C., Williamson, C., ... & Tröstl, J. (2016). Reduced anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing caused by biogenic new particle formation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 113(43), 12053-12058.
  • Dunne, E. M., Gordon, H., Kürten, A., Almeida, J., Duplissy, J., Williamson, C., ... & Carslaw, K. S. (2016). Global atmospheric particle formation from CERN CLOUD measurements. Science , 354(6316), 1119-1124.
  • Järvinen, E., Ignatius, K., Nichman, L., Kristensen, T. B., Fuchs, C., Hoyle, C. R., ... & Schnaiter, M. (2016). Observation of viscosity transition in α-pinene secondary organic aerosol. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics , 16(7), 4423-4438.
  • Kirkby, J., Duplissy, J., Sengupta, K. , Frege, C., Gordon, H., Williamson, C., ... & Tröstl, J. (2016). Ion-induced nucleation of pure biogenic particles. Nature , 533(7604), 521-526.
  • Tröstl, J., Chuang, W. K., Gordon, H., Heinritzi, M., Yan, C., Molteni, U., ... & Baltensperger, U. (2016). The role of low-volatility organic compounds in initial particle growth in the atmosphere. Nature , 533(7604), 527-531.
  • Dey, S., Nishant, N., Sengupta, K. , & Ghosh, S. (2015). Cloud climatology over the oceanic regions adjacent to the Indian Subcontinent: inter-comparison between passive and active sensors. International Journal of Remote Sensing , 36(3), 899-916.
  • Sengupta, K., Dey, S., & Sarkar, M. (2013). Structural evolution of monsoon clouds in the Indian CTCZ. Geophysical Research Letters , 40(19), 5295-5299.


PhD Thesis:

  • Sengupta, K. (2017). Climate impacts of atmospheric low volatility organic compounds (Doctoral dissertation, University of Leeds).


Key Conference Presentations:

  • Mann, G., Brooke, J., Sengupta, K., Marshall, L., Dhomse, S., Feng, W., ... & Plane, J. (2022). The prevalence of meteoric-sulphuric particles within the stratospheric aerosol layer. Authorea Preprints.
  • Sengupta, K., Mann, G., Weigel, R., Brooke, J., Dhomse, S., Borrmann, S., & Plane, J. (2021, April). Modelling the progression in the mix of particles within the Arctic stratospheric aerosol layer, including the seasonal source of meteoric smoke particles from the Arctic winter polar vortex. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (pp. EGU21-16540).
  • Sengupta, K., Pringle, K., Johnson, J. S., Reddington, C., Scott, C., & Carslaw, K. S. (2020, December). A global model perturbed parameter ensemble study of secondary organic aerosol formation. In AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (Vol. 2020, pp. A091-0001).
  • Sengupta, K., Pringle, K., Johnson, J. S., Reddington, C., Scott, C., & Carslaw, K. S. (2018, December). Advances in Modelling Secondary Organic Aerosol-from Particle Formation to Climate Impact. In AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (Vol. 2018, pp. A43K-3216).
  • Sengupta, K., Gordon, H., Almeida, J., Rap, A., Scott, C., Pringle, K., & Carslaw, K. (2016, April). Climate impacts of biogenic organic compounds. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (pp. EPSC2016-16109).
  • Gordon, H., Carslaw, K. S., Sengupta, K., Dunne, E. M., & Kirkby, J. (2015, December). Global aerosol formation and revised radiative forcing based on CERN CLOUD data. In AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (Vol. 2015, pp. A43G-0368).
  • Sengupta, K., Gordon, H., Pringle, K., Kirkby, J., & Carslaw, K. S. (2014, December). The Impact of New Particle Formation from Biogenic Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere. In AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (Vol. 2014, pp. A53H-3314).
  • SENGUPTA, K., SARKAR, A., & DEY, S. (2012). AEROSOL-CLOUD-PRECIPITATION INTERACTION OVER THE INDIAN MONSOON REGION USING CONCURRENT SATELLITE MEASUREMENTS. IASTA BULLETIN, 353.


Timeline

Private tutor

Multiple tutoring agencies/self
02.2025 - Current

GCSE Chemistry Examiner

AQA
01.2025 - Current

Lead Assessment Writer

AQA
07.2024 - Current

Teacher of Science

Allerton Grange School
07.2022 - Current

Committee Member (volunteer role)

Royal Meteorological Society Yorkshire Local Centre
07.2021 - Current

Academic Mentor

Lawnswood School
02.2021 - 07.2021

PhD Tutor

The Brilliant Club
11.2019 - 06.2021

Chair (volunteer role)

Royal Meteorological Society Yorkshire Local Centre
07.2019 - 07.2021

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Leeds
07.2018 - 08.2021

Vice President ofPublic Relations (volunteer role)

Leeds City Toastmasters
07.2018 - 06.2021

Volunteer with STEM outreach (volunteer role)

University of Leeds
01.2017 - 08.2019

Language Editor (volunteer role)

Open Geosciences
08.2015 - 06.2021

Publicity Coordinator (volunteer role)

Royal Meteorological Centre - Yorkshire Local Centre
01.2014 - 07.2019

Postgraduate researcher

University of Leeds
09.2013 - 10.2017

Research Associate

Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
08.2011 - 06.2013

Home Tutor

Self-employed
08.2006 - 07.2011

Certificate of Higher Education - PGCE

University of Leeds

Doctor of Philosophy - Atmospheric Science

University Of Leeds

Master of Science - Atmospheric Science

University of Calcutta

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

University of Calcutta
Kamalika Sengupta