A huge congratulations to all winners and nominees at the 2024 Learning and Teaching Awards!
We were delighted to welcome back the annual Learning and Teaching Awards to celebrate all our staff teams and academics, who work so hard every day to inspire excellence in enhancing the student experience at Ulster University. The LTAs highlight innovation and exceptional efforts in teaching, learning, and the student experience. Being student-led from the nominations to decision-making panels, these awards truly highlight those experiences and contributions that have been valued by students.
The awards were presented by VP Education Finola Quigg and Faculty Rep, Arts Humanities & Social Sciences, final year History student and UUSU president elect Ethan Davies. Our presenters were fantastic keeping us hooked from start to finish!
This year we received over 500 nominations across 12 categories. Our dedicated student-led shortlisting panel had the difficult job of narrowing these down.
Below are your Learning and Teaching Awards 2024 winners...
EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT AMBITION
Dr Idongesit Ekerete, School of Computing
What our students have said...
"Dr. Ekerete possesses a rare ability to inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential. Through engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and real-world examples, Dr. Ekerete fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to pursue their ambitions and excel in their chosen fields. Whether it's through one-on-one mentoring sessions, tailored academic advising, or creating opportunities for skill development and growth, Dr. Ekerete prioritizes student success at every step."
STAFF TEAM OF THE YEAR
Cataract and Refractive Surgery Teaching Team, School of Biomedical Sciences
What our students have said...
“This team offers exceptional support, guidance, and dedication to enhancing students' learning experiences and overall well-being. They consistently go above and beyond to offer comprehensive assistance to us, extending their support beyond regular hours to accommodate our needs, even on weekends and evenings. Their dedication to academic success and personalised guidance ensures that students have the direction and resources necessary to excel in their studies. This course holds significance for individual career advancement and for enhancing the quality of patient care.”
PH.D. RESEARCHER SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
Professor Dewar Finlay, School of Engineering
What our students have said...
“Dewar has invested significant amounts of his own time, with calls and meetings after hours when issues have arisen. Dewar has done all of this with enthusiasm and passion, always ensuring that I am prioritised. He epitomizes the qualities of an exceptional PhD supervisor and has done so for the entirety of my PGR journey. His unwavering dedication to creating a supportive, stimulating, and inspirational research environment has left a clear mark on my academic journey, propelling me further than I thought was possible."
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO STUDENT LIFE (NON-TEACHING)
Sam Scott & Sara Wilson, Estates & Noonan
What our students have said...
“Sam and Sara have put their hearts and souls into their jobs. Regardless of your background, they will treat you just the same as anyone else. They are arguably the best the university has to offer. If Ulster wants to show reasons why people should come to study at their campuses, it's not through state-of-the-art facilities. It's through good-hearted people like Sara and Sam, who'll go the extra mile for anyone.”
INCLUSION & BELONGING CHAMPION
Dr. Paul Joseph-Richard, Department of Management, Leadership & Marketing
What our students have said...
“He’s committed to making sure all students, including mature students like me, feel supported and included at university. He has been the most helpful Lecturer who constantly encourages his students to get out of their comfort zones as he sees the potential in them. Dr Joseph has written many papers on how inclusiveness is so important. He has championed all students, allowing them to have their say in different lecture focus groups.”
STUDENT ACADEMIC REP OF THE YEAR
Hannah McAleavey & Martin McCarthy, Department of Management, Leadership & Marketing
What our students have said...
“They have consistently demonstrated exceptional qualities in representing and amplifying the voices of their fellow students, consulting their peers, gathering their views, and representing them with respect and professionalism. Hannah and Martin have been good advocates for positive change. They have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure student voices are heard. They effectively lobbied for adjustments to teaching methods, leading to a more interactive and engaging classroom environment.”
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR, FACULTY OF ARTS, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Deborah White, Belfast School of Art
What our students have said...
“I have witnessed first-hand how Deborah is always getting to know students, giving tips, providing knowledge and influential contacts so students can build their own network. Deborah’s eager, enthusiastic passion for textiles has really motivated and driven me this year. Her dedication to her students does not end at 5pm. I am grateful to Deborah as she has pushed yet supported and challenged me to aim high. Most of all, I am grateful for her encouragement to believe in myself!”
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR, FACULTY OF COMPUTING, ENGINEERING, AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Marinus Toman, School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems
What our students have said...
“The quality of his module was superb. I learned so much, the most I have learned in any module so far. The quality of the practical work was fantastic, and it was always extremely engaging. He stands in sharp contrast with many of the lecturers I have had up to this point. He consistently put maximum effort into his engagements with my class. Truly a cut above the rest."
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR FACULTY OF LIFE AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Dr Alyson Hill, School of Biomedical Sciences
What our students have said...
“Dr. Hill went above and beyond, investing her time in preparing us and staying long after the lecture, personally assisting each group. This level of care left a lasting impression, demonstrating her commitment to her students' success. Unlike any other educator I've encountered, Dr. Hill is approachable and proactive. Her unwavering dedication to being accessible has been invaluable to me, and I am forever grateful.”
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR ULSTER UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
Sean Owens, Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management
What our students have said...
“Chef Owens has inspired me and many other students to excel in competitive environments. They always believed in me and pushed me to the limit. For this I am forever grateful, he never gave up on me. I remember his mantra, “Train Hard now and live your life as a champion”. I am now the World Skills UK Champion in Culinary Arts. Without Chef Owens’s investment in me, this would never have been possible.”
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR, PH.D. DEMONSTRATOR
Patricia Puyol McKenna, School of Biomedical Sciences
What our students have said...
“Patricia has shown extraordinary dedication, passion, and talent as a demonstration. Her excitement for the subject is evident, making every engagement with her both stimulating and enriching. Patricia is a leader in creatively utilising technology to improve the learning environment. They use unique teaching strategies to engage pupils to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Their innovative teaching style pushes pupils to think outside the box and explore new possibilities within the subject area.”
INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
Dr Donna Towe, Department of Management, Leadership & Marketing
What our students have said...
“It would be no understatement to say that without her providing the support she I would have dropped out by now. She's inspiring in her ability to be everything at once. Your tutor, your friend, your course director, your disciplinarian, your support and that person that gives you that talk that you don't want to have but you really need. She does her job so well that you never actually notice that she's doing it at all”
UUSU SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Sustainable Period Product Inititive
Building Belonging Collaborative Project
A huge congratulations to all of our winners, you have made an outstanding impact in your work that will stay with students throughout their personal and professional journeys.
UUSU would like to extend a big thank you to our Student Shortlisting panel. With over 500 submissions across categories, this was no easy task. Thank you, Daniel Sanusi, Caitlin Lowry, Catriona Doyle, Christopher McCausland, Umair Shabbir, Muhammad Farooq Siddiqui, Damilola Owolabi, Aisling Vallely, Emily Roberts, Amensinor Favour Okpohs
Download LTAs 24 Brochure Here
