Dr Martin Galpin

Two Univ academics have been recognised in this year’s Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division teaching awards. Dr Martin Galpin, Deputy Director of Studies in Chemistry and Supernumerary Fellow, and Dr Andrew Ker, Tutorial Fellow, Associate Professor of Computer Security and Financial Adviser, will be recognised at a reception in September 2023.

This year, entries closed in April and 108 members of staff were nominated, through 168 separate nominations. A cross-departmental panel selected the ten winners in June, among them Dr Galpin and Dr Ker.

Dr Martin Galpin received two student nominations, which were strongly endorsed by his Department. Both students emphasised Martin’s positive engagement with students, explain challenging ideas, and offer many examples of how to complete questions. In addition to his innovative teaching in Mathematics for the MChem course and high level of tutorial teaching, Martin has also prepared recorded lectures for academic staff on how to use Panopto and Canvas. This led to the universal recording of lectures in the Department of Chemistry. In addition to teaching, he has developed the Chemistry Department’s Graduate Training Programme, combining training in both research and transferable skills for our postgraduate research students. He is also involved in College, Departmental, and university-wide outreach schemes, helping to encourage talented students to explore Chemistry and Maths beyond their school syllabus, build self-confidence, and consider applying to Oxford.

Dr Andrew Ker received a student nomination that praised his well-structured lectures. The Department of Computer Science endorsed the nomination, stating that other feedback from students suggests that other students may have wanted to nominate Andrew for a Teaching Award, especially since he receives high scores from students for his lectures.

Dr Galpin commented: “It’s an honour to receive this MPLS Teaching Award. I’m grateful to all the fantastic students and tutors I’ve worked with over the years, for helping me to shape and develop my Maths for Chemistry teaching. It is a real pleasure to discuss the subject with the Univ chemists in tutorials — especially when they ask really difficult questions!”

Read our interview with Dr Martin Galpin.

Published: 17 July 2023

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