Dr Debbie Nash from Aberystwyth University’s Institute for Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences has been awarded Senior Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Debbie is a Senior Tutor and Lecturer in Equine & Animal Science at IBERS and is one of only two women to receive the Award at the University, the first being Alison Pierse, Art and Design Coordinator for Lifelong Learning within the School of Education and Lifelong Learning.
The HEA provides a professional framework through which lecturers in higher education can be recognized for good practice, professionalism and excellence in teaching.
There are several, increasing levels of recognition that can be attained.
The Fellow status is commensurate with attaining a PGCE and the PGCE course offered at Aberystwyth University is accredited for this status. Senior Fellow status is achieved by making an evidence-based application which demonstrates leadership and inspiring and supporting others to develop their teaching.
One key activity in Dr Nash’s application was her founding of the Colloquium For Equine Reproduction (CFER).
CFER is a one-day conference intended as a platform for industry/lay people/lecturers to learn about research in the field, as many have no opportunity to keep up-to-date with scientific developments if they do not have access to, or the time, to view journal articles.
The event was a success and CFER ran again in 2011. In 2013 the British Society for Animal Science hosted CFER within their annual conference programme and another event is planned in this format for 2015.
In relation to the SFHEA application, Debbie succeeded in demonstrating how she has grown CFER over the last four years so that lecturers from other universities and colleges have consistently attended as part of their own Continuous Personal Development plans.
In addition, it was important to demonstrate how she puts teaching theories into practice in lectures, practicals and assessments and explicitly described how she supports and encourages the professional development of the post-graduate students she is responsible for.
Professor Chris Thomas, Interim Director of IBERS said; “I’d like to congratulate Dr Nash on her fantastic achievement. Her award demonstrates how women can achieve success at Aberystwyth University, and I would encourage others to ensure that they maximise all the means at their disposal to showcase their many talents and achievements not only in Aberystwyth but in the wider HE community. We shall ensure that Dr Nash’s achievements are used to inspire her fellow colleagues and students so that they can mirror her success.”
Dr Debbie Nash said; “I’m only the second person to be awarded Senior Fellow status by the Higher Education Academy at Aberystwyth University so I’m very proud of my achievement.”
