Gold-rated teaching

Doreen Malcolm 

Senior Lecturer  - School of Business, Education and Law 

Before teaching, I worked in local authority early years provisions. I started at practitioner level and then moved into management. I have been teaching for over a decade now, starting my career in a college, before moving to University. 

I work collaboratively with students in the classroom, sharing practical and theoretical expertise, skills and knowledge. I love the buzz and energy when students are busy during activities or when they bring ideas and contributions into the classroom. Visiting students on placement is something I enjoy - especially when I hear how students are valued in the organisation. 

Lorraine Horton-Smith

Senior Lecturer - School of Human and Health Sciences 

I've previously worked in clinical practice as an Operating Department Practitioner in a local hospital. I loved my clinical work and enjoyed teaching learners in practice. I was given the opportunity to be a lecturer practitioner, splitting my time 50/50 between working in practice and teaching at the University.  I had a great experience at the University both as a student and as a lecturer practitioner, so I jumped at the opportunity to come and work here full time. 

I lived in Huddersfield growing up, so I have strong links to the town, and I have done all of my study here.  It sounds a bit strange, but the moment I walked onto campus I got a great feeling about the place, and that hasn’t changed.  

Charlie Goldthorpe

Senior Lecturer - School of Arts and Humanities

With a background in the fashion industry, I use my skills gained from experience to help my students reach their full potential. My teaching is very hands-on, and I encourage taking creative risks and experimenting to help build skills which work in the real-world.  

I love working at the University of Huddersfield because of its commitment to supporting students and getting them ready for a career in the creative industries.  If you choose to study a creative subject here, we’ll work with you to develop your creative identity, confidence and professional direction so you’ll be industry-ready from the moment you graduate.” 

Simon Parkinson

Professor  - School of Computing and Engineering

“Through the years, I have taken the lead on lots of funded research projects and developed an expertise in cyber security, artificial intelligence and digital forensics which I bring to the classroom and use to help shape my teaching. I also use my knowledge and research to help improve UK Government Cyber Security through my seat on the UK Government’s Cyber Security Advisory Board.  

I like my students to get experience in things that matter, so I use real cyber security and AI challenges to help them gain practical experience in applying knowledge to real-world situations and threats.” 

Victor Azubike

Senior Lecturer - School of Business, Education and Law 

“At the University of Huddersfield, I design and lead degree programmes and work with governments and businesses on issues such as energy security and the transition to cleaner energy. This means the ideas we discuss in class connect directly to real decisions being made around the world.  

My research has been published in international journals, and I’ve even been invited to present my work at the UK Parliament during Evidence Week, where I shared insights with policymakers about how countries can move towards more sustainable energy systems. 

In my teaching, I focus on bringing real-world issues into the classroom. I want students to understand how law, business and environmental policy connect - and to leave university with the skills and confidence to tackle global challenges in their future careers.” 

 

Martin Carr

Senior Lecturer - School of Applied Sciences  

“Our biology degrees at Huddersfield emphasise the importance of hands-on practical work to provide the skills graduates need for their careers. We place a strong importance on using our degrees to help make an impact on the world, by teaching students how the sciences intertwine with real-world situations and issues.  

One of my biggest achievements during my career is that my research identified the closest known living relatives of animals. I use this research in my teaching to highlight how we can use this knowledge to better understand problems that effect humans today, such as cancer. 

Something I really enjoy in my role is leading the final year projects; it is really rewarding to see students pull together knowledge from across their entire degree to solve real research problems. The final year projects help students build their research skills and ensure they leave the University with everything they need to thrive in their future careers. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of seeing several of my undergraduate students present their own research at conferences and get their articles published in international research journals.”