"My approach is to teach mathematics as a fun puzzle to solve."
Dr Richard Garner is a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Student-nominated Award. He brings his lectures to life by sharing the excitement of problem-solving through maths.
'I would like students to view me as their rock and their biggest fan.'
Dr Irina Dedova teaches anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and has been dubbed a ‘cool mum’ by her students. After being nominated multiple times, in 2023 she was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Student-nominated Award.
'A positive and inclusive environment is crucial for effective learning.'
Macquarie Business School Lecturer Dr Hector Viveros Tapia is a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Student-Nominated Award. He creates an inclusive learning environment that’s fun and interactive so students feel welcome and engaged.
'I treat students as partners in a mutual learning experience.'
Marketing communicator Stephanie Huang urges students to think creatively on subjects that shape both academic success and everyday life.
‘As an applied mathematician, I love to model the world around us.’
Senior Lecturer Dr Christian Thomas aims to inspire students and help them see the magic in mathematics.
‘Some of the very best innovations might start from a broken idea.’
Engineering lecturer and Macquarie University Research Fellow Dr Ali Lalbakhsh uses his research interest in antenna design as a real-life example to inspire his students to continue to fine-tune their own ideas.
'History provides skills that are useful for careers and good citizenship.'
History lecturer Dr Michelle Arrow draws on icebreaker games, group work and research projects to bring out the best in her students.
'I’m always on the lookout for career opportunities for my students.''
For senior finance lecturer Lurion de Mello, putting students first and helping them become well-rounded people is at the core of his teaching philosophy.
'Communication is our superpower as teachers.'
Macquarie Law School lecturer Zara Bending is a regular recipient of teaching awards, earning plaudits from both students and the university leadership.
'I want students to see me as empathetic and empowering.'
Commerce lecturer Dr Prashan Karunaratne turns to Disney films and other non-textbook examples to build fun into business and economics and bring it into students' everyday lives.
'For learners to be engaged, teachers need to be creative.'
With a background as a performer, choreographer and director, Dr Jon Burtt draws on his experience to teach students how they can flourish in the creative industries.
'Students are all capable of incredible things.'
The child of Iranian refugees, Associate Professor Daniel Ghezelbash is inspired to help his students make a difference for today's refugees and immigrants.