Putting Nottingham’s global diversity in the picture

July 1st, 2019

The University of Nottingham has unveiled a special portrait series aimed at celebrating the outstanding contribution of international colleagues.

The Celebrating Our International Colleagues exhibition features some of the many international colleagues who support excellence across the academic, technical and professional services.

It’s the second in a programme of exhibitions aimed at diversifying the University’s approach to portraiture across the university’s UK campuses and follows last year’s successful Women at Nottingham exhibition.

The latest series features 31 photographic portraits which resulted from a call for nominations across the institution for international colleagues (individuals or teams) whose contributions make a positive difference to working or studying at Nottingham.

The portraits will remain on display in the Trent Committee Room and Council Dining Room for a minimum of 12 months before being distributed around the university.

Professor Jeremy Gregory, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, said: “Our international colleagues play a huge role in the life and success of our university. This latest series of portraits is a fitting way to celebrate all that they do and will be a lasting reminder of their invaluable contribution for many years to come.”

The portrait exhibition will be formally launched by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West at a special celebration event in Trent Building on Tuesday 9 July.

Colleagues are welcome to view the portraits during the following specially-organised viewing slots:

30pm-6pm, Wednesday 10 July
5pm-7pm, Thursday 11 July
3pm-5pm, Tuesday 30 July
12pm-2pm, Wednesday 31 July

: Amelia Garcia-Ara – Veterinary Medicine and Science: Amelia designed a new rotation including case examples, field trips and inspirational learning opportunities for students in partnership with Dr Rodrigo Nova-Chavez. Both are widely admired for their collegiate approach and friendly delivery, which together have developed students’ understanding of veterinary public health.

: Dr Anca Pordea – Chemical and Environmental Engineering: Anca is a dedicated academic contributing to research and teaching and a great role model to student chemical engineers. She has also made fantastic contributions by representing Chemical Engineering in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Chemistry.

: Professor Andreas Bieler – Centre for the Study of Social and Global Justice (CSSGJ): Andreas’ leadership and persuasive arguments helped convince university governing bodies to pay the living wage which has directly improved the experience of many colleagues.

: Dr Bagus Muljadi – Chemical and Environmental Engineering: Bagus’ enthusiasm for research and teaching has delivered grant awards, improvements in SET scores and a strong relationship with the Indonesian Government. He founded the IDTP and was instrumental in bringing the Indonesian International Student Conference 2019 to Nottingham.

: Dominik Siwek – School of Life Sciences: Dominik runs the Dissection Room Facility and embalms bodies that are donated for use in Anatomy teaching. Dominik’s crucial work also supports Physiotherapy, Clinical Skills among other courses. His commitment and expertise ensures the effective teaching of future generations of doctors.

: Dr Elena Boto – Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre: Elena is a valued part of the centre. Following completion of her PhD she has travelled extensively in Europe and the USA presenting her work and she played a big part in the organisation of the 2018 Royal Society science event in London.

: Dr Erica Brasil, Jose Rinaldo Soares de Souza and Manuela Santos-Green – Cultures, Languages and Area Studies: This dynamic trio of teaching assistants proactively enthuse hundreds of students, preparing them for the experience of a lifetime living, studying and working in Brazil. They organise events, have created a successful on-line presence and foster links with Brazilian universities and other organisations to promote the Brazilian culture.

: Dr Franziska Meyer – Cultures, Languages and Area Studies: Franziska is a fantastic colleague, adored by international postgraduate for whom she is Supervisor, Admissions Tutor, Chair of their weekly research seminar, and effectively their Personal Tutor. Students regularly comment on her dedication to going the extra mile for them in very difficult circumstances.

: Dr Gulcan Serdaroglu – Energy Innovation and Collaboration Team: Gulcan is driven and enthusiastic, and played a key role in the recent award for the Sustainable Hydrogen Centre for Doctoral Training. A dedicated team member, she willingly supports colleagues, maintaining a professional approach whilst empathising with peers and stakeholders.

: Dr Hany Elsheikha – Veterinary Medicine and Science: Hany’s development of the parasitology syllabus has resulting in it being one of the most innovative in UK vet schools. He has published numerous research articles and four top-selling textbooks, significantly improving student learning and the professional development of veterinary surgeons and nurses.

: Dr Hong Sun – Student Services, Specialist Services: Hong used her extensive knowledge of the visa system to help students navigate their way to Nottingham. She is an acknowledged expert in her field and is widely admired for her calm nature, eye for detail and commitment to excellence.

: Dr Hongwei Bao – Cultures, Languages and Area Studies: Hongwei is a wonderful colleague and teacher who treats everyone with equal respect and courtesy, and proactively organises a wide range of public-facing events that raise the profile of international and queer cinemas.

: Jeremie Cauchois – Information Services: As manager of the Smart Bar providing student IT assistance across UK campuses, Jeremie’s support for international students is exemplary, helping them to settle quickly and effectively. His can-do attitude and willingness to tackle every problem make him a great role-model and a fantastic ambassador.

: Dr Klaus Winzer – Centre for Biomolecular Sciences: Klaus is exceptionally dedicated and very good at conveying difficult microbiological knowledge to undergraduate students. He is also committed to maintaining an open door policy, always willing to take time to listen to and support students with problems.

: Krista van Alten – University of Nottingham Sport: As clinic lead physiotherapist, Krista regularly goes the extra mile to ensure students are fit and ready to achieve for the University including treating over 100 BUCS teams and 100 scholars.

: Dr Laura Porcu – Energy Innovation and Collaboration Team: Laura’s role largely involves working with industry and businesses, representing the team and the University and resulting in a positive experience for everyone. A natural communicator, Laura demonstrates passion and enthusiasm, all evidenced in her commitment and dedication to her job.

: Dr Mădălina Stălniceanu – Global and Political Affairs Unit: Mădălina’s colleagues appreciate her tireless dedication and attention to detail. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave an event, she successfully ensures that staff and students have enriching engagements with external partners.

: Dr Maike Oergel – Cultures, Languages and Area Studies: Maike established the UG Ambassador Module for Modern Languages, engaging with local schools and providing work-related skills, careers options and a coveted choice for students interested in teacher training.

: Dr Marcos Castellanos Uribe – NASC Operations Manager and Senior Technician: Marcos injects infectious positivity and humour to helping customers from around the world – often in their own language. An approachable and effective manager, he can make even the driest aspects of biobanks amusing and memorable to an international audience.

: Mária Konyelicska – Lakeside Arts: Mária is hugely passionate about Lakeside and the University’s cultural provision and the wider Nottingham cultural scene. She brings great positivity, enthusiasm and dedication to her role and is committed to encouraging engagement with Lakeside’s programme.

: Dr Robert Markus – Senior Imaging Technician: Robert demonstrates unending patience, enthusiasm and commitment to the staff and student community engaging with Life Sciences Imaging Facility. Everyone is impressed by his knowledge and enthusiasm, and his determination to achieve the best possible results. Those he regularly supports see him as a friend as well as a colleague.

: Dr Sabine Tötemeyer – Veterinary Medicine and Science: Sabine is an integral part of the vet school. Her student interaction, innovation and outreach/widening participation are exemplary and her dedication to student welfare, education and enthusiasm are outstanding.

: Dr Sara Borrelli – School of Health Sciences: Sara demonstrates collegiality and commitment to excellence in all activities including leading an MSc module in Global Maternal Health and a novel research initiative for Undergraduates. As the Erasmus and elective placement co-ordinator she has increased the number of placements available; her international connections have enabled new funding proposal partnerships.

: Dr Sara Parks – Theology and Religious Studies: An inspirational individual for staff and students alike. Sara’s research is pioneering and her teaching is innovative, effective and popular. She regularly goes above and beyond colleagues’ expectations, devoting the greatest care to every activity.

: Dr Simon Breden – Cultures, Languages and Area Studies: Simon’s deep insider’s knowledge of Spain and Spanish theatre has informed his teaching and proved popular and exciting with students. He represents an open, generous and inspirational cosmopolitanism, to which many of our students aspire.

: Stavros Pourikas – Capital Projects, Estates: A diligent and approachable colleague, Stavros manages a range of projects which add value to the Nottingham experience. Stavros’ technical and creative expertise are invaluable and appreciated by everyone working with him.

: Sujing Xu – Cultures, Languages and Area Studies: Sujing teaches Chinese language to students of different nationalities. Her research centres on cultural and creative industries in Shanghai, and the design and delivery of new blended language learning in the UK. She also provides Chinese cultural workshop to local businesses.

: Suzanne van der Lingen – Lakeside Arts: As Arts and Heritage Duty Manager, Suzanne co-manages the Gallery and Museum invigilators, providing information and assistance to students, staff and visitors to exhibitions and workshops. A valued team member, her technical skills in gallery installation and display are greatly appreciated by curators and artists alike.

: Dr Tarik Oumazzane – History: Tarik’s gentle, passionate and inclusive approach has inspired colleagues and his students, encouraging them to connect their own life histories to their studies. He consistently goes the extra mile to support his students in both pastoral and academic fields.

: Dr Yvonne Mbaki – School of Life Sciences: Yvonne’s impact extends beyond the teaching and co-ordination of multiple modules in physiology and pharmacology to her role as Warden in Ancaster Hall. She is one of the first 12 staff who qualified as Mental Health First Aid Instructors.

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Putting Nottingham’s global diversity in the picture

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