Recognition for achievements in teaching and learning for Chemistry’s Teaching Lab Manager

Dr Thomas Logothetis, Senior Teaching Fellow in Chemistry, has been recognised in this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Awards. He will receive his award at summer Graduation. This is the second time students have nominated him for this honour.

Thomas became interested in science education during his doctoral studies in Germany. At Southampton, he has worked to bring in new assessment techniques and improve the use of IT in the laboratory. He was nominated for this award for his enthusiasm in working with students during practical sessions in his role as Teaching Laboratory Manager and also for running the successful four week Organic Chemistry Summer School with partners Eli Lilly, Novartis, Merck Chemicals, AstraZeneca, Evotec and atdbío.

“Summer School students enjoy working on a range of challenging laboratory projects alongside professional industrial chemists. It is something they have not experienced before in their time at university,” explains Thomas. “They value the interaction and feedback from our visitors, some of whom are Southampton alumni, and it gives them valuable hands-on experience for their later careers.”

Student Rachael Greenhalgh adds: “The Summer School really helped to prepare me for my industrial placement year. Meeting people who have jobs in the chemical industry was motivating for an undergraduate student wondering what to do in life!

“Thomas is an inspirational teacher who encourages students to push themselves and improve the quality of their work, although he understands if things go wrong. He always questions students to help them gain a deeper understanding of what they are doing and why they are doing it.”

The annual Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Awards celebrate and reward creativity, passion and excellence by teaching staff throughout the year.

All 2016 winners can be found here.