Derry teacher recognised as most inspirational of the year by student union representatives

The fourth annual Students’ Union Learning and Teaching awards recently took place to celebrate the 340 staff and student representatives – nominated by the student body – who had made the most positive and influential impact on their learning experience at Ulster University.

Kevin McStravock, incoming Students’ Union President, said: “Divided into categories, the Teaching Awards aim to identify best practice across a range of aspects of the student journey, including excellent teaching, research supervision and student support.

“These awards give the student community the opportunity to thank those that have made the biggest impact on their learning – individuals and teams that go out of their way to support and inspire.

“Since these annual awards were established, the Students’ Union continues to witness the exceptional quality of our staff and the impact they make.  I’d like to congratulate all the nominees for their outstanding work and their passion for enhancing academic life at Ulster University.”

Dr Liz Doherty won the Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award 2017.

Dr Doherty said: "I have been involved in traditional music at third level since 1994, the last ten of those years at Ulster. Basically, I love to teach. This is where all of my interests – as a performer, researcher, and TRADvocate  – come together. For me it’s personal … and it’s simple: when the students shine, I shine; when our students shine, our University shines.

"Traditional music students at Ulster make a real contribution to the conversation around the immense value of traditional arts within the community, academia, and the creative industries. As representatives of Ulster they have travelled the world performing at top festivals and events, spoken at conferences, and brought international audiences to Derry. Individually and collectively they do this with a genuine sense of joy and passion. They are amazing ambassadors for what we do here at Magee – and I am proud of them every single day."