Teaching awards reflect students and papers

University of Otago academics Dr Kristin Hillman (centre),  Dr Gill Rutherford and Otago physics...
University of Otago academics Dr Kristin Hillman (centre), Dr Gill Rutherford and Otago physics PhD student Malcolm Smeaton have won teaching awards. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
University of Otago lecturer Dr Kristin Hillman has won an annual teaching award for her ''outstanding'' and enthusiastic contribution to university teaching.

Prof Hillman (34), of the psychology department, received the Otago University Students' Association award at a recent function in Dunedin. .

Dr Hillman had faced some ''tough competition'' from nine other finalist nominees: Dr John Guthrie, Tony Zaharic, Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, Dr David Bishop, Ben Varkalis, Associate Prof Peter Whigham, Haruko Stuart, Dr Grant Dick, and Associate Prof Zhifa Sun, an association spokesman said.

Dr Hillman said it was ''amazing'' to be recognised in this way, but said the award largely reflected both the ''brilliant'' quality of her students and the highly interesting nature of the papers she was teaching.

An association award for a top tutor/laboratory demonstrator was given for the first time this year, the recipient being physics PhD student Malcolm Smeaton.

Dr Gill Rutherford won the association's ''Inclusive Award'' for the fifth time. And there was a special mention of Mr Zaharic.

This award acknowledges staff for ''going out of their way to create an inclusive and equal environment for disabled students'', award organisers said.

 

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