Learning and Teaching Excellence
For creating the conditions, both within and outside of our teaching spaces, that significantly enhance the academic experience of our students.
The DigiLabs Team
DigiLabs was a bold reimagining of how technology, pedagogy, and user experience can converge to enhance student learning by providing flexible, accessible, and future-ready digital environments that empower learners. DigiLabs introduced cutting-edge digital technologies into refurbished teaching spaces. These innovations align with the University’s ambition to be a leader in digital education and sustainable development. It is a model of best practice in digital infrastructure and collaborative project delivery, contributing to the University’s global reputation for excellence.
Dr Laura Justham
Laura has been nominated for her vital work on neurodiversity in group work. Over the last year Laura has undertaken ethics approved research to explore neurodiversity in group work in order to develop tools to support students during group work. She has disseminated her findings at various events, the latest being a 'Neurodiversity in Engineering' workshop. Laura is working closely with Enhanced Academic Practice (EAP) to share her findings so that they can feed into University wide resources for students and staff to support inclusive group working practices.
Mary Corcoran
Mary joined the University in September 2023 with a specialism in knit and a technical pedigree based in the knitwear design industry along with tried, tested and awarded business experience all combined with well-established knowledge of design and technology. Mary brings all of this to her teaching and learning with a strong student centred approach, thoughtfully tailoring her delivery to ensure accessibility for each specific group, while fostering an understanding that can be practically applied in the world beyond university boundaries.
Charlie Henshaw & Rhiannon Payne
The Henshaw and Payne duo are rare examples of staff who will succeed and thrive wherever you put them and whoever you put them with. Volunteering for Design festivals, Open & Visit Days, Degree Shows, external exhibitions, course level socials for students and everything else the Graphics and SDCA has to offer, together, they’ve become a beacon of hope and positivity.