PhD student wins Graduate Tutor of the Year

PhD student Jerry Zhuo has won Graduate Tutor of the Year at the Cardiff University Enriching Student Life Awards 2020.

Jerry has been a student at the School of Music since 2016 and is now in the third year of his PhD in Composition.

Jerry was nominated for the work he does to help introduce international master’s students to the School of Music. This includes delivering sessions on Chinese-English music terminology and music theory, helping international students to settle in to the School, and assisting with communicating with practical tutors at the beginning of the course. He also runs introductory Sibelius software classes for students.

As well as tutoring on undergraduate modules, Jerry also provides assistance to undergraduate international students to help them settle in to the School.

Last summer, the Chamber Choir and several faculty members undertook a tour of China, including a visit to Jerry’s home city of Xiamen. During this time, Jerry joined the tour on a visit to Art College of Xiamen University to deliver a talk about studying in Cardiff.

Speaking of his win, Jerry said: “I feel enormously grateful for winning this prize, and I would like to share this honour with all staff members and graduate tutors working in the School of Music. They keep inspiring me every day with their care for students and passion for music, which I will continue to share with my future students from all countries and backgrounds.”

The annual awards, now in their eleventh year, are organised by the Students’ Union and are an opportunity for students to nominate members of staff, tutors and fellow students who have made a difference to their studies and experience.

There were a record number of nominations this year, with several other colleagues in the School of Music also nominated for awards:

Dr Rob Fokkens – Outstanding Doctoral Supervisor
Dr Cameron Gardner - Most Innovative Member of Staff
Professor Kenneth Hamilton – Vice Chancellor’s Award
Dr Monika Hennemann - Most Uplifting Member of Staff
Dr Nicholas Jones – Most Uplifting Member of Staff
Dr Peter Leech – Most Uplifting Member of Staff