Lecturer receives main accolade at student life awards

The School of Engineering was well represented at the 2016 Enriching Student Life Awards, with Tribology and Applied Mechanics lecturer Dr. Alastair Clarke taking home two awards - including the biggest prize of the night.

The event, held annually by Cardiff University Students’ Union, is designed to recognise the work of staff and students who have made outstanding contributions to student life. Nominations are made by students, with 545 names considered this year.

Dr Clarke’s first award of the evening came in the category of ‘Most Effective Teacher’, in which he had been shortlisted alongside eminent colleagues from the Schools of Bioscience, Medicine and Psychology.

He followed up his initial success by going on to win the overall ‘Enriching Student Life Award’, an accolade given to the individual credited with contributing the most to the student experience across the sixteen listed categories.

“Since the nominations come from students, I was especially pleased to be listed,” said Dr Clarke. “To then actually win was the icing on the cake - all of the nominees did excellent work to improve the way in which their students were taught, and I honestly didn't expect to win.

“I was predominantly nominated for my work with the Formula Student [Cardiff Racing] team and the associated final year project module - I can honestly say these students are a pleasure to teach and work very hard.

“I was quite touched that they took the time to nominate me for my contribution to their learning,” he added.

A total of 16 awards were handed out on the night, and the School of Engineering enjoyed a presence in a further two categories, with Rob Spurway nominated in the ‘Student Rep of the Year’ category, and technician Lee Treherne shortlisted for ‘Most Uplifting Member of Staff’.