UON welcomes new Associate Professors

The University of Northampton welcomes eight new additions to its roll-call of Associate Professors, who join 23 others across the institution.

The title recognises their significant contributions and future commitment to developing, enhancing and leading in the areas of learning and teaching, professional practice, and enterprise and research.

Dr Cathy Smith, Dean of Research, Impact and Innovation at the University of Northampton, said: “Last year we welcomed twenty-one Associate Professors and it is great add to those numbers this year. These appointments demonstrate our growing research and learning and teaching excellence and expertise in diverse areas such as education and learning, midwifery, health research, international development, internationally renowned dementia innovation, psychology, physical education, film and screen studies and computing.”

“The University, our students and communities locally, nationally and further afield look set to continue benefitting from the expertise and commitment these individuals have demonstrated.”

Alison Power, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching, said: ‘I was thrilled to hear I had been appointed Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching, recognising my contribution to interprofessional education (IPE) and technology-enhanced learning in the Faculty of Health, Education and Society.

“I see this appointment as offering exciting opportunities to effect positive change – both within the institution and externally – through innovative learning and teaching practices. I’m also very keen to get involved in supporting colleagues with continuing professional development (CPD), particularly concerning the judicious use of technology-enhanced learning. This is a wonderful opportunity and I’m very grateful to the Panel for the appointment.”

Alison Hulme, Associate Professor in International Development, said: “I’m really glad to have been made an Associate Professor. It’s not only about recognition for what you’ve already done, but crucially about providing a title that enables you to go forward and do more! I am looking forward to putting together more interesting projects and funding proposals, publishing as always of course, and also enabling strategic links across the university that help others engage in research activities.”

David Saunders, Associate Professor in Psychology, said: “I am incredibly proud and humbled to have been awarded the title of Associate Professor at the University of Northampton. The award shows my peers recognise that my research is of high quality and demonstrates international impact. I greatly look forward to continuing to drive the research agenda within the University; by the progression of my research and supporting colleagues to develop their own. Special thanks to the panel and the people who have provided me with support and guidance throughout my career.”

Alison Ward, Associate Professor in Health Research and Co-Lead for the Northamptonshire Dementia Research and Innovation Centre (NDRIC), said: ‘I am excited to take on the role of Associate Professor and building on the research and practice work we have developed in the field of dementia at the University. I am looking forward to working closely with the other Associate Professors and wider research community at UON to develop our profile and the impact of our work within our own, and the wider community.’

Emma Whewell, Associate Professor in Education (PE), said: “I am proud and excited to be appointed as an Associate Professor. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology to explore teaching and learning across disciplines.”

Suraj Ajit, Associate Professor in Computing, said: “I am delighted to be awarded the professional title of Associate Professor. I would like to thank the selection panel for formally recognising my research achievements and leadership activities. I am also grateful to all my colleagues and collaborators. I hope to continue to make a valuable contribution to research and scholarship at the university.”

Mike Starr, Associate Professor in Film and Screen Studies, said: “I’m delighted to be awarded an Associate Professorship! The bestowment of this title acknowledges the significance of my research in the field of film and popular culture, whilst concurrently serving to highlight the plethora of diverse and internationally renowned scholarship also being performed by colleagues in FAST’s Culture subject area.”

Michelle Pyer, Associate Professor in Childhood, Health and Wellbeing, said: “I was so pleased to hear the outcome of my application. I was on a beach at the time and some of the people around me must have wondered why I was suddenly so happy!

“I am really looking forward to continuing to support the developing research culture at the University, and to working with participants and colleagues locally, nationally, and internationally to further our research.