Miss Samantha McCormack
Principal Technical Specialist (Clinical Simulation)

Summary

Sam is a strategic and creative leader in simulation-based education, recognised for shaping innovative approaches that connect technical expertise with academic excellence. With over 18 years of experience in education, Sam combines artistic vision, leadership, and collaboration to design high-impact learning environments that transform teaching practice and student engagement.

Sam  joined Brunel University of London as a Technical Specialist in Clinical Simulation and progressed rapidly to Principal Technical Specialist. In recognition of her leadership and strategic capability, she was also appointed Department Director of Simulation and Skills Development, a role she held until it was dissolved during a recent university restructure. In both positions, Sam led on multiple projects, drove innovation through creative design and emerging technologies, and championed the integration of realistic, inclusive, and experiential learning.

A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Chartered Scientist, and professional member of the Institute of Science and Technology, Sam also serves on the National Executive Committee of the Association of Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH) , the first technician to hold this national leadership position. In this role, she provides strategic direction on policy, recognition, and professional development for technical specialists across the UK.

Passionate about the use of innovative teaching techniques to enhance student learning, Sam is trained in moulage* and casualty make-up. As a skilled Make-Up Artist, she uses creative design to enhance realism and emotional engagement in simulation-based learning, fully immersing students in their sessions. She holds ASPiH Individual Accreditation and, as a previous Innovation Award winner, has been invited to serve as a judge for the Student Nursing Times Awards since 2018.

A graduate of both the Aurora Leadership Programme for Women and the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership, Sam is known for her inclusive and empowering leadership style. Sam is also a named Designated Safeguarding Officer and a volunteer Link Governor for a secondary special school supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Sam continues to champion creativity, innovation, and excellence across education ,from technical practice to transformative impact.

*Moulage - The art of applying wounds for training purpose

Responsibility

Leadership and Strategy Development: Provide influential leadership for the Department Simulation and Skills’ team. Collaborate with Division Leads, simulation leads, and technical teams to develop and incorporate innovative and evidence-based simulation activities within the Department of Health Sciences.

Collaboration and Partnership: Collaborate with other Departments in the College to enhance the quality and standards of educational opportunities and student experience related to simulation and skills’ development.

 Oversight and Monitoring: Ensure effective ongoing monitoring of the quality and standards of educational simulation and skills provision within the Department, aligning with university policies and regulatory requirements.

 Engagement with Simulation Networks and Pedagogy: engagement with and contributions to local and/or national/international simulation and skills’ development networks and pedagogy.