‘A very proud moment for me, being awarded [NTF] by the Minister of Education in the UK, which has given me a voice in promoting and raising the value of learning and teaching.’
Awards and Prizes
| 2021 | Nominated by a colleague for VC award for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Champion award’.
“As the longest running Athena Swan Champion dedicated to advancing gender equality in STEMM and her School since 2014, Martina more than deserves to be recognised for her contributions to EDI at the University. She pretty much single-handedly drafted and secured two successful Bronze awards – one for the School of Computer Science and, more recently, a joint award for the School of Engineering and Computer Science which was announced in 2020. Achieving Athena Swan awards is no small task and involves advancing very extensive action plans to address any issues and improve workplace culture for staff and students. Martina was also the original Chair of the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team which she broadened to become the School’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Team (EDIT). She is now a member of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science strategic EDIT where she continues to drive forward this work. Some of Martina’s activities in relation to EDI in the past year included: (1) leading a project around ensuring that EDI work is recognised as part of career progression; (2) leading an Erasmus+ international partnership project with institutions in Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia, Germany, Sweden, and the UK to undertake an EDI gap analysis. She led training in EDI and inclusive curriculum development and her recommendations for improvements in EDI are now being implemented in these institutions; (3) holding interviews with inspiring women as part of International Women’s Day 2021. Martina’s achievements speak for themselves and she is a role model for women in STEMM fields, often being asked to present her story at conferences and events. She is by far one of the most open, genuine, and inspiring individuals I have ever met, and at the same time warm, friendly, and approachable and always willing to support her colleagues and students.“ |
| 2021 | Nominated by a student for VC award for ‘Tutor of the Year’.
“Dr Doolan classes helped me grow, and she always use her own time to help me and other students on our assignments. She’s a really responsible tutor. From her classes, I could easily see she have a serious attitude for teaching. Also, she’s a very kind teacher. She care’s students further study a lot. Although I’m not the best student in class, but Dr Doolan still encourages me a lot. I am very grateful to her and I will still keep in touch with her. Thank you Dr Doolan for teaching and helping me, I’m glad I could be your student. Overall, she’s a very good tutor in my heart. I hope Dr Doolan good all the time.“ |
| 2020 | Nominated by a student for VC award for ‘Tutor of the Year’.
“She is one of the most impactful tutors I have experienced so far in academics. The effort she puts into lectures and the way she supports each student in a class of more than 100 candidates is remarkable. Her experience and knowledge is not only her achievements but her art of delivering to the students marks it an asset for the students.“ |
| 2019 | Nominated by a colleague for VC award for ‘Colleague of the Year’.
“Martina is a people person, always optimistic with a warm, sunny disposition. She loves people, works hard, and is a fabulous mentor to others. Time spent in her company always lifts the spirit of colleagues around her!“ |
| 2018 | International Federation of National Teaching Fellows (IFNTF) lifetime membership award. |
| 2017 | Nominated by a colleague for VC award for ‘Manager of the Year’.
“Martina aspires me to be a better person, she always supports in the advancement of my career development by nudging me…is always there to listen, she is caring with the utmost integrity…Martina stays true to herself is a people person who believes in me and encourages high expectations“ |
| 2015 | Best Prize, Women Leaders, Inspiring Women in Higher Education, Leadership Foundation for Higher Education. |
| 2014 | Nominated by a colleague for the VC Award for ‘Outstanding Service’.
“Ask any colleague and they will tell you that Martina is passionate about students and colleagues in the pursuit of driving forward the university agenda around education and people. Martina remains a beacon of positivity when faced with failure and success, through her actions and words Martina inspires us to do the best for the ‘good of all’“. |
| 2009 | Teaching Fellowship, University of Hertfordshire. “Martina is consistently above average in SFQs with 95%+, low failure rates on courses 9–11%, and consistent complimentary reviews on external examiner reports are further concrete evidence of excellence” (Head of School). |
| 2007 | UK National Teaching Fellowship (Conferred by the UK Minister of HE – a prestigious award held by 0.2% of the academic population as of 2019) – in recognition of my outstanding impact on student learning and the teaching profession across the UK. |
| 2003/04 | Vice-Chancellor (VC) Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
“Martina always strives to improve her methods, often by making use of technologies previously unused in an educational setting. Not only does this show that she is very much in love with new technology, but also that she is so passionate about furthering the knowledge and understanding of others, that she endeavours to develop new means of doing so” (Student). |
| 2004 – | Since 2004 I have been nominated by students for the VC award for Tutor of the Year. |
Dr Martina A. Doolan 