4 August 2011

The University of Queensland’s excellence in teaching has again been highlighted in recent Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) awards and citations.

UQ Engineering academics won two awards for teaching excellence and for furthering student engagement.

UQ’s Director of First Year Engineering Associate Professor Lydia Kavanagh received a ALTC award for teaching excellence.

During her time teaching engineering at UQ, Associate Professor Kavanagh has inspired students to develop knowledge, confidence and capabilities essential for success in the engineering profession in the 21st Century.

She is dedicated to ensuring that they not only learn about engineering but also how to be engineers.

“As the world becomes more complex, I will continue to challenge the next generation of engineers so that they are able to take leading roles in solving global challenges,” Associate Professor Kavanagh said.

"This requires more than just teaching content knowledge using traditional modes, and is a responsibility I take seriously.”

UQ School of Civil Engineering lecturer Dr Liza O’Moore received an ALTC citation for outstanding contributions to student learning.

Dr O’Moore received this prestigious award for enhancing the individual experience of engineering students in large classes through active engagement, providing effective feedback and embedding real world engineering into the curriculum.

Executive Dean of the UQ Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology Professor Graham Schaffer congratulated both Dr O’Moore and Associate Professor Kavanagh for their outstanding contributions to the curriculum of UQ’s engineering program.

“These awards are given to truly outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impression on the quality of Australian higher education,” Professor Schaffer said.

Furthering the commitment to improving engineering education, the Faculty recently welcomed Professor Erik Meyer into the role of Professor of Education.

The appointment of Professor Meyer was a strategic decision made by the Faculty to further enhance the learning experience for students.

Media: Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or 3365 8525)