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Teaching and support which has made a real difference to Harper Adams students over the past year has been celebrated at the University’s 2024 Student Voice awards.

The awards were held as part of the annual Learning and Teaching Conference and coordinated by the Harper Adams . They allowed colleagues from across the University to celebrate and congratulate those employees chosen by its students to receive an award.

The awards were presented by current Students’ Union President Daisy Douglas and Harper Adams Vice- Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan.

Daisy said: “It’s important that our staff community hear directly from students – especially when it comes to appreciating the hard work and dedication from others that goes into our education.

“From senior lecturers to lab technicians – from catering to Housekeeping, Harper students can see and feel the support and devotion of those around them. This year’s heartfelt nominations demonstrate just how much it means to us – especially those who have gone above and beyond.

“On behalf of all Harper students, a giant ‘thank you’ to the winners alongside each and every nominated member of staff.”

Harper Adams Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Digital) Professor Lydia Arnold, added: “It was inspiring to hear the nominations for staff members valued by their students.

“Recipients were recognised for innovative and engaging teaching, challenging students to think differently, inspiring them through a future facing curriculum, caring deeply - whether in the classroom or in halls of residence - and for consistently working with respect for others.”

The awards were presented by current Students’ Union President Daisy Douglas and Harper Adams Vice- Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan.

The full list of winners – and why they were nominated – are below.

Assessment and Feedback Hero: Lecturer in Integrated Pest Management Dr Joe Roberts

Asking students to rate their feedback is like asking them to rate their dental treatment, so anyone recognised for their work around assessment and feedback is doing well!

Joe is well known for being incredibly student-focused and students say he makes assessment interesting, balancing “enough structure to be clear what information to include, but also allowed space for creative interpretation.”

Students said his feedback was “comprehensive and fair, probably the most detailed feedback I have received on a piece of work which really helped me to see where I had done well and what could be improved in future work.”

They recognised his care and diligence and, notably, his nomination came from a student who claims not to have liked the subject! 

Excellent Teaching: Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Health and Welfare

Sue Jeavons

Sue Jeavons students’ think she is fantastic!

They report her lectures are well-paced with appropriate emphasis on topics - and “an excellent balance of memorable humour, her industry experience, the latest trends, information from scientific journals and textbook.”

Students never felt confused or bored in her lectures, with organised and engaging teaching. Her active tutorials inspire interest with a collection of resources and papers always on hand to support students.

Actively promoting communication, Sue is always ready to answer any questions regarding the topic or assignment – creating a supportive environment.          

Her nomination said: “She is simply a definition of excellent teaching.”

Hidden Gems: Engineering Technician Thomas Howes

Tom was nominated by a colleague for being one of Harper Adams’ hidden gems.

They said: “Tom has an impressive ability to provide solutions to problems before you even knew you had a problem.  He works tirelessly behind the scenes. Tom is a solutions man who is thorough and proactive in the support he offers to others …  by example, ‘Tom is the sort of person who if, as a throwaway comment, you briefly mention ‘something would be better if…’, he will find you a couple of weeks later, remind you of the conversation, and provide you the solution.”

Tom not only tirelessly supports student projects, but he facilitates SU motorsport and off-roading activities. His nominee added he is a great support to staff who consistently ‘makes everyone's life easier - practical sessions wouldn't happen without him.’

Student Support Champion: Housekeeping Assistant Nichola Icely

Students liked the way Nichola supports their wider experience and supports them every day. 

She goes above and beyond her duties and shows great care for the students as she interacts with them in their residential spaces, offering care and support for the individuals that she interacts with as she diligently undertakes her role.

Those students who nominated Nichola recognised that she is friendly, hard-working, dedicated, and tolerant - and they valued their interactions with here, believing she is an absolute champion of them as people.

Inclusion and 无码动画 Impact – Laboratories Technician Jane Cooper

Jane's dedication to the university and her extensive local connections reflect her significant volunteer efforts, which enhance both outreach and volunteer recruitment.

Tirelessly working to meet targets, she collaborates with external stakeholders and has successfully enlisted many people - both placement students and staff -  as STEM ambassadors.

Her proactive approach links real-world problems with student projects, making these opportunities both educational and impactful.

Her passion and energy are boundless; as is her commitment to providing valuable experiences and encouraging students to pursue university applications and STEM careers.

She also champions sustainability, actively reducing plastic waste in the lab and advising on recycling schemes.

Her colleagues said: “Jane makes work a fun place to be, where you aren't afraid to get stuck into projects.  She is an inspiration, and it is humbling to work with someone that gives so much”.         

Innovative Lecturer: Senior Lecturer in Entomology Dr Heather Campbell

Heather's lectures are always engaging, with a variety of teaching methods that greatly enhance the learning experience.

Her course on Insect Conservation has been particularly memorable, with guest lecturers, 'positive news of the week' presentations, practical teaching, and lectures.

She encourages feedback, allowing students to suggest lecture topics, creating a learning environment where student opinions were valued.

Her refreshing and honest teaching opens the floor to diverse voices and perspectives, and offers her own insights as a woman in an underrepresented field.

For instance, an interactive lecture on the use of AI in entomology allowed students to experience and test AI technologies firsthand. This provoked a debate on its role in academia, culminating in a class-wide publication effort which she led.

Activities that challenge students to think critically and creatively such as designing citizen science projects was also cited a highlight for many.

Outstanding Colleague – Head of the Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare Department Jane Thomas

Jane is approachable, realistic, and transparent and the people who nominated her said she exemplifies what it means to be a great manager, adding: “Nothing is ever too much, and she truly leads by example. Whether it be queries about academic work or personal problems, Jane always has an open-door policy.”

Nominees described her as approachable, with a sense of humour, and added: “Jane sets an example by blending professionalism, integrity and common sense to manage her team and achieve results, while retaining a good sense of humour and positive working relationships with her colleagues.”

Student Collaboration - Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy, Holly Gallacher

Holly was nominated as a student feedback champion who uses engagement with students to develop and improve their educational experience.

Her feedback from current and past students is used to ensure learning, teaching and assessment is always relevant and practical.

Nominating students said, as a result, they felt more prepared and confident when moving forwards.

Her work in listening to, and learning from, student voices means her teaching ensures students become rounded and competent future-facing professionals.

Exceptional Commitment to Sustainability - Senior Lecturer Dr Iona Huang (and The 无码动画 Fridge project)

As the driving force behind the community fridge project, nominees said Iona: “has empowered 无码动画 households to save money by providing free food.”

The community fridge, which helps find a home for food which would otherwise be wasted, translates into significant environmental and economic benefits – but nominees said Iona's leadership extends beyond food rescue.

She manages the project's volunteer staff and research assistants, ensuring its smooth running.

Her nomination noted that: “Iona deserves this award for her leadership in the community fridge project” – and the panel agreed.

However, in a true act of altruism and showing her leadership, Iona reminded the panel that this was a team effort, and so exceptionally, this year two awards were made in the category - one for the project and one to Iona for her leadership and vision.