Veterinary Science lecturer awarded for excellence in teaching
Press release
26 May 2009
Dr. Stuart Barber, Senior lecturer in Animal Health, Management and Welfare at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, has been honoured for his commitment to student learning, receiving the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The award is presented annually, and acknowledges the importance of teaching veterinary science in Australian universities. The accolade recognises Dr. Barber's innovative teaching approach including the use of experiential group learning to improve the student learning experience.
Dr. Barber was honoured to receive the award, and credited it to the hard work of the Animal Health teaching team.
"I don't really consider this a personal reward, but a reward on behalf of all the teachers who teach these subjects," said Dr. Barber.
"I think it is also important to pay a tribute to the role of student feedback in improving the overall student experience, as it has an important influence on what and how we teach."
Dr. Barber graduated from the Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne in 1993 and worked as a veterinarian in Benalla for five years before returning to the University to complete a PhD. He began lecturing at the Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2006, and currently teaches first year students a variety of topics including animal nutrition and livestock management.
Along with his teaching commitments, Dr. Barber is also a well-renowned researcher in the field of farm animal management, diseases and welfare. He is currently working with Poll Dorset sheep breeders to investigate genetic and management factors that influence the development of mastitis in flocks, in the hope of developing better treatment and prevention strategies to reduce production loss and mortality.
Professor Ken Hinchcliff, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, said the award acknowledged the leading role that the Faculty's staff play in educating veterinarians.
"This award is a very appropriate recognition of the dedication and skill that Stuart brings to his teaching, and of his innovative and thoughtful approaches to enhancing student learning and participation in our course," said Professor Hinchcliff.
Dr. Barber was presented with the award at the AVA Annual Conference in Darwin this month.
For further information please contact Hinalei Johnston, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: h.johnston@unimelb.edu.au