Danielle Meddemmen
22 June 2021: The University of Canberra has welcomed a further 16 Higher Education Academy (HEA) Fellows to its growing community, recognising their excellence in teaching and learning in the higher education sector.
HEA Fellowships are awarded in line with the UK Professional Standards Framework, as an internationally recognised achievement for tertiary educators.
A celebration was held to honour the University’s new fellows on Monday, some of whom had received the accolade in early 2020 but were yet to have an official celebration due to COVID-19.
The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President Academic Professor Geoff Crisp, a Principal HEA Fellow himself, addressed the recipients on Monday.
“Congratulations to each of our recently recognised fellows for their commitment and demonstration of excellence in teaching and learning here at UC,” he said.
“It’s a personal journey and it’s important to the University that our staff are recognised for the great work they have done.
“Our core business is our students and their success, so having a culture of excellence in teaching has a direct impact on that success and experience.”
University staff are encouraged to become a HEA Fellow through the Learning and Teaching team, as part of its Recognition of Advancement Strategy.
Faculty of Business, Government and Law Assistant Professor Dr Sarah Yu was recognised as one of the HEA Fellows on Monday, and said she thoroughly enjoyed the process.
“Applying for and receiving recognition as a HEA Fellow has been a wonderful recognition of my work and I have found my passion for teaching is burning brighter than ever,” she said.
“It provided a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on my work, and consider my own teaching philosophy and how I can improve it.”
There are four categories within the HEA Fellowship qualification – Associate Fellow, Fellow, Senior Fellow and Principal Fellow – with the ability to progress through the categories throughout your career and achievements.
There are now 39 HEA Fellows within the University of Canberra community, with the newly-recognised fellows listed below.
- Associate Professor Dr Nicole Freene
- Clinical Assistant Professor Dr Angie Fearon
- Senior Lecturer Dr Fanke Peng
- Assistant Professor Dr Sarah Yu
- Assistant Professor Dr Saeed Banihashemi
- Assistant Professor Dr Blooma John
- Lecturer Dr Daniela Castro De Jong
- Assistant Professor Dr Luke Nguyen-Hoan
- Systems Analyst Mr Solomon Tegabala
- Professor Dr Maree Sainsbury
- Assistant Professor Dr Naroa Etxebarria
- Lecturer Ms Melanie Green
- Research Assistant Ms Katrin McLeod
- Lecturer Mrs Natalie Larkins
- Clinical Assistant Professor Dr Cathy Knight-Agarwal
