Department of Chemistry members receive MPLS Teaching Awards

Department of Chemistry members receive MPLS Teaching Awards

The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division at the University is once again celebrating the outstanding teaching efforts of its staff. Seven remarkable individuals, including two from the Department of Chemistry, have been honoured in this year’s MPLS Teaching Awards.

The divisional Teaching Awards scheme is dedicated to celebrating success and recognising innovative teaching practices across all career stages. This initiative is open to everyone engaged in teaching roles, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty members, and learning support staff.

The winners from the Department of Chemistry this year were:

image of dr craig campbell

Dr Craig Campbell

Craig, a Departmental Lecturer in Practical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, and Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the Queen’s College and St Hugh’s College, was nominated by two members of staff. Craig’s nomination was strongly supported by the Department. Craig is described as ‘a truly exceptional teacher, who cannot do enough for his students’. His involvement in the development of the new practical Chemistry course is especially highlighted. Craig is described as someone who ‘has helped establish Oxford as an institution that leads the way on modern teaching approaches for practical chemistry’. His nominations highlight the innovative ‘research-like teaching’ approaches he has introduced, focused upon skills development and decision-making to complement the traditional ‘cook-book’ approach.

The nomination included notes from other academics how ‘the new practicals have majorly impacted the aptitude/training of students’. The nomination also highlights Craig’s sensitivity to areas where students may need further support, such as his development of tasks to develop and strengthen students’ spreadsheet skills. 

photo of dr alan roth

Dr Alan Roth

Alan is currently the Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) and a Visiting Lecturer in Chemistry. He received thirteen nominations, which were endorsed by the MPLS Division. Alan’s nominations all note the strength and quality of his Scientific Entrepreneurship course which appears to have garnered an impeccable reputation within the MPLS Division.

Many of the nominations note the ease of Alan’s communication, his enthusiasm, and his approachability for students. Further, many nominations highlight the value of Alan’s combined research and professional experience which provides attendees a ‘innovative and impactful’ learning environment. Nominations also note Alan’s ‘exceptional mentorship’, ‘passion for teaching’, and ‘extremely engaging’ lectures. Various students note how Alan’s course has improved their confidence in being able to apply their scientific knowledge to the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the MPLS Division, expressed his admiration for this year’s nominees:

Oxford teaching transforms lives for the better. MPLS is rightly proud of the efforts of our colleagues who deliver excellent teaching day in day out. I am really pleased to celebrate some exceptional and inspirational teachers who have won these awards and those who were nominated.

The awardees will be honoured at a special reception this September, attended by senior leadership from across the MPLS Division, celebrating another year of exceptional teaching achievements. You can read more about all the winners from MPLS here.