10 December 2008

Double award honour for University teacher

A teacher at the University of Sheffield has been recognised by two national academies for her outstanding contribution to both the student experience and teaching. Elena Rodriquez -Falcon, who is a teacher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University, has been made a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and also received an ExxonMobil Excellence in Teaching Award, in association with the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The ExxonMobil Excellence in Teaching Awards identify and reward Centres of Excellence in Engineering Teaching in the UK. Those University departments selected for an award receive a package of benefits worth £50,000. Whilst the university department is the major beneficiary of the award, the award is given on the merits of a member of staff in that department, in this case Elena.

The Higher Education Academy Awards recognise those who have provided outstanding leadership in teaching and support the student learning experience in Higher Education.

Elena joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield in 2001, having previously worked in industry for seven years. She is currently in charge of enterprise development and since she joined the University has developed three courses which aim to embed enterprise and management in engineering.

Elena´s teaching of enterprise in engineering has evolved through the years and now focuses on working directly with disadvantaged individuals with specific needs that can be improved by engineering and enterprise solutions. Her research interests include entrepreneurial and enterprising potential and how to transfer this potential to seek and solve commercial problems.

Lecturing on Enterprise and Technology, Business Planning and Technology Strategy, Elena has already been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Higher Education Academy and the University of Sheffield for her teaching excellence.

Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, Senior University Teacher at the University of Sheffield, said: "I feel really privileged to have been awarded these two awards and I am extremely grateful to the Royal Academy of Engineering, ExxonMobil and the Higher Education Academy for choosing me for these accolades. It is really humbling to be recognised for something that you love doing and that is more of an enjoyable hobby than a job."

Professor Robert Dwyer-Joyce, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: "We are delighted that Elena has received these two awards and has been recognised for her innovative teaching methods. Elena has made an outstanding contribution to the department and the University through her hard-work and dedication and I am extremely proud of her. As well as being a personal achievement for Elena these awards will also greatly benefit the department and our students."

Professor Paul Ramsden, Chief Executive, Higher Education Academy, said: "It is important that academics leading in the field of teaching and learning are recognised and rewarded in this way. The contribution they make to students´ experiences of Higher Education is vital, as is the knowledge and experience they share with colleagues."

Ian Bowbrick, Head of Professional Formation at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: "The Academy has been greatly encouraged by the effective university teaching practice this scheme has identified, particularly as the current funding mechanism is so heavily weighted towards research output. The Academy is also delighted that a leading industrial company in the shape of ExxonMobil recognises the importance of the teaching of undergraduate engineers to the future prosperity and well-being of this country."