University of Auckland Teaching Excellence Award recipients

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Showcasing recent recipients of the TEA awards and the excellence they bring to teaching.

For information about the award and how to apply, visit the central website.

University of Auckland Teaching Excellence Awards

Our heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of this prestigious award.

2024 recipients

Dr Amar Auckaili

Faculty of Engineering

Early Career Excellence in Teaching

Amar is an innovative educator in Chemical and Materials Engineering, known for his dynamic teaching methods that bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications. His enthusiasm and practical experience make complex engineering principles accessible and engaging. Amar has effectively implemented flipped classrooms and interactive quizzes, significantly enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. His dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment has earned him high praise from both students and colleagues, and multiple awards from the faculty.

Profile: Dr Amar Al Auckaili

Dr Moeata Keil

Faculty of Arts

Early Career Excellence in Teaching

Drawing from her Samoan heritage, Moeata integrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledges into her Sociology curriculum, creating environments where students feel valued and inspired. Her teaching philosophy emphasises relational, holistic, and student-centred approaches, aligning with the principles of Taumata Teitei and the TeachWell framework. Moeata uses interactive activities to illustrate social inequalities and connects course themes to students’ lived experiences. Her dedication to student success is evident in her personalised feedback and pastoral care. This year, she also received the Faculty of Arts Early Career Teaching Excellence Award.

Profile: Dr Moeata Keil

Dr Karen Huang

Faculty of Arts

Sustained Excellence in Teaching

Karen Huang has transformed the teaching of Chinese language and culture with her student-centric approach and innovative curriculum design. Her methods, such as integrating real-life scenarios and interactive activities, have significantly enhanced student engagement and proficiency. Karen’s development of immersive study abroad programs in China and Taiwan has enriched students’ language skills and intercultural competence. Her teaching philosophy emphasises relational learning and inclusivity, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.

Profile: Dr Karen Huang

Dr Nasser Giacaman

Faculty of Engineering

Sustained Excellence in Teaching

Nasser is a leading educator in Electrical, Computer, and Software Engineering, recognized for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success. His development of tools like the Active Classroom Programmer (ACP) and Co-Thinker has made complex concepts accessible and engaging. By focusing on practical applications and real-world scenarios, Nasser prepares students for successful careers. His dedication to continuous improvement and his ability to inspire both students and colleagues have made a lasting impact on the academic community.

Profile: Dr Nasser Giacaman

Emma Sadera

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

Informal Leadership in Teaching and Learning

Emma Sadera is celebrated for her exceptional leadership in teaching and learning within the FMHS. Her innovative tutor training and peer review initiatives have significantly enhanced teaching quality. Emma’s dedication to inclusive pedagogies has empowered students and colleagues, fostering a supportive learning environment. Her contributions to university-wide projects, like the UoA Tutoring Central hub, underscore her commitment to equity and accessibility, making her a deserving recipient of the award.

Profile: Emma Sadera

2023 recipients

Early Career Excellence in Teaching

Dr Andrew Brown

Faculty of Engineering

Andrew is a trailblazer in teaching, creating and spreading new ways to engage and empower learners. He combines his deep professional expertise with visionary leadership, inspiring academic and industry teams to excel. He knows ‘what students need to be able to learn’ and designs his courses, technologies, and assessments accordingly. He also invests in his own and others’ professional growth, mentoring junior colleagues and shaping the future of education.

Profile: Dr Andrew Brown

Early Career Excellence in Teaching

Dr Sereana Naepi

Faculty of Arts

Sereana tackles social inequities and celebrates learner diversity by using a co-design approach that gives students ownership and agency in their education. She creates relational learning environments where students feel valued, connected, and achieve better learning outcomes. She also allows them to express their authentic selves by developing and using learning resources that combine visual creativity and participatory learning.

Leadership in Teaching and Learning

Dr John Egan

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

With passion, experience, and commitment to excellence, John leads teaching and learning in his faculty. He empowers others and improves education quality through effective staff development and curriculum leadership initiatives, and has earned recognition for his achievements in teaching practices, university policy, mentoring, and service.

Profile: Dr John Egan

Sustained Excellence in Teaching

Associate Professor Alys Longley

Creative Arts And Industries

This dedicated educator sets high standards and inspires both staff and students with her empathy and engaging two-way learning approach. A champion of creative collaborations and formative assessments, Alys believes every step in the learning process matters, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking in her students through authentic experiences.

Profile: Dr Alys Longley

Sustained Excellence in Teaching

Dr Danping Wang

Faculty of Arts

Danping Wang fosters vibrant learning communities in the Faculty of Arts, where collaboration and shared knowledge spark innovation. Committed to relational learning and diverse perspectives, Danping creates an inclusive space aligned with Ako principles. Innovative technology and dedication to mentoring colleagues amplify Danping’s impact, empowering students and faculty to excel.

Profile: Dr Danping Wang