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LSBU education academic awarded National Teaching Fellowship
Dr Nicola Martin's research-led teaching in the field of disability equality has led to a National Teaching Fellowship award for excellence in support for learningLondon South Bank University (LSBU) is proud to announce that Dr Nicola Martin, Principal Lecturer and Head of Research and Higher Degrees in Education, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy.
The National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious award for excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning.
Nicola was commended for her research-led teaching in the field of disability equality, with a particular focus on the requirements of students with autism. Nicola's research sets out to listen to disabled and disadvantaged students in order to improve access, embed inclusive practice and encourage universal design across the higher education sector.
Commenting on the work for which she was nominated, Nicola said: "Essentially I am committed to promoting equality and social justice in the higher education sector. I see my job as helping institutions to promote the inclusion of all students, and making sure that everyone feels a sense of belonging."
Nicola is currently carrying out research into how universities can unlock hidden talent in the workforce by improving cultures of inclusivity and also into how mentoring can be useful in the lives of young people on the autism spectrum.
Nicola joined LSBU in September 2013 from LSE, where she took the lead on disability equality and wellbeing. She has also held leadership roles at Sheffield Hallam, Derby University and Lewisham College and is an honorary visiting fellow at Cambridge University and Sheffield Hallam.
While Chair of the National Association of Disability Practitioners, a post which Nicola held for five years, the organisation grew from small beginnings to becoming the professional body for staff working for disability equality in higher education, with over 1,200 members.
Nicola's work has also influenced government initiatives around autism, most notably by emphasising the possibility of success in higher education for people on the autism spectrum.
On receiving her National Teaching Fellowship award, Nicola said: "I am currently part of a wonderful team at LSBU within and beyond the Department of Education and have always worked with thriving, committed and talented teams of people. I feel this award is about the hard work and excellence demonstrated by the LSBU team as a whole; we work collaboratively and share a firm belief in putting our students first, providing the best possible student experience from pre-entry to post-exit."
Tom Hall, Acting Director of Academic Staff Development, added: "The University is delighted to see Nicola join our existing group of teaching staff nationally recognised for excellence by the Higher Education Academy. High-quality teaching sustains LSBU's commitment to student success and Nicola's hard work is quite rightly reflected in this prestigious fellowship award."
National Teaching Fellowships are awarded annually by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a national and independent organisation dedicated to supporting the higher education community in order to enhance the quality and impact of learning and teaching.
Nicola joins LSBU's existing group of six National Teaching fellows, demonstrating excellence in teaching from Executive leadership to direct student support:
- Patrick Bailey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor
- Gloria Gordon, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Resources and Management
- Anne Harriss, Reader in Educational Development
- Anita Peleg, Senior Lecturer in Marketing
- Anne Ridley, Principal Lecturer in Psychology
- Shân Wareing, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience