News Archive

The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was pleased to announce the recipients of its 2008 Teaching and Learning Awards at a ceremony held at The University Club on Tuesday, 10th March 2009.

The welcome address was given by Professor Jane Long, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), who spoke warmly of the importance of excellence in teaching and learning, acknowledging the achievements of the Faculty's dedicated and talented teaching staff.

Professor David Smith, Dean of the Faculty, then spoke of the joys of working in a university environment and having the opportunity to engage with students.  Professor Smith remarked that watching students develop in their studies and grow as individuals is often reward enough for teaching staff, much like a parent with a child, finding pleasure in giving.  He then recognised, however, that clearly the bond goes both ways, as the teaching award recipients were nominated by their students, highlighting that their dedication and special qualities are deeply appreciated by those they teach.

Professor Smith spoke of the Faculty's two new innovative centres of student learning, due to open in 2010.  The Clough First Year Centre and the Monadelphous Integrated Learning Centre will further support the Faculty's teaching and learning initiatives, by providing dedicated spaces for students to develop their skills in project and team-orientated environments.

The winners were then announced by Dr Angus Tavner, Associate Dean (Academic) and presented by the Dean.

The 2008 Individual Teaching Award was presented to Dr Cara MacNish with commendations to Dr Chris McDonald, Professor Andrew Deeks and Dr Jasmine Henry .  The 2008 Award for Research Supervision went to Professor Cheryl Praeger with commendations to Professor Krish Thiagarajan and Dr Melinda Hodkiewicz .

The winners of the 2008 Award for a Project that Enhances Learning were Dr Brad Stappenbelt and Mr Chris Rowles with a commendation to Dr Eric May .  The 2008 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning was presented to Dr Nathan Scott .

Dr Tavner closed by congratulating the winners and noted that it is only through the impressive efforts of our staff that we are able to offer such an innovative and well-rounded student experience.  Award recipients and colleagues then celebrated into the evening.