With the Academic Staff Awards fast approaching, over the next few weeks, we will introduce you to a selection of finalists from each Faculty for both the Learning and Teaching and Research categories. These awards recognise the academic endeavours of our Macquarie community.

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Prashan Karunaratne

Finalist: Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence

Prashan Karunaratne is an inspirational and innovative teacher of economics at Macquarie University. His enthusiasm for teaching economics and passion for improving student outcomes has inspired and engaged tens of thousands of students for more than a decade.

He successfully utilises large lecture theatres as a crucible to develop a culture of active learning that nurtures students to develop a desire to engage in the field of economics. He is a firm believer that the learning journey becomes fruitful for both teachers and students when the focus is on inspiring students to want to learn by emphasising the ‘why’ of learning, and, when teaching equals empowering students to navigate their own learning journey, by focusing on the ‘how’ of learning.

The experiences that Prashan creates in his classroom and beyond, highlighting the ‘wow’ moments, are those that students will remember in the years to come. The challenges, triumphs, hurdles and victories that students experience throughout their time with Prashan transform their thinking and perceptions of economics as a discipline, and also transforms their thinking and perceptions to realise that ‘Economics is Everywhere’ in the world.

“It has always been an honour to be given the opportunity to teach and engage with students at Macquarie University,” Prashan said.

“Thus, it is more than an honour to be a teaching award finalist. Thank you to my generous, encouraging and inspiring students: past, present, and future.”

You can connect with Prashan on social media by using the following hashtags:

• #MqEcon
• #MqEcon111
• #EconomicsIsEverywhere
• #EveryOneSayWow

Dr LayPeng Tan

Finalist: Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

In the Faculty of Business and Economics, students commonly demand more practical knowledge that will be directly relevant to their work experience after graduation. Dr LayPeng Tan believes teaching students ‘how to’ (practical knowledge) provides them the skills to perform certain tasks; however, it is the ‘why so’ (theoretical learning) that offers students the thinking frameworks which ultimately enables transferable work and life skills.

Joining academia from the industry, LayPeng has a deep appreciation for the value of theories in solving and explaining everyday problems. Her goal in curriculum design is to stimulate students’ interest and appreciation for theories by making theoretical learning accessible and exciting for students.

“I am an enabler of success,” LayPeng said.

“I help students to develop their full potential and capabilities so they can achieve their personal goals within and beyond the classroom. I equip students with work and life skills and inspire them to learn, to create, to believe in themselves and to reach for the stars.

“Teaching excites me not only because of the gratification it brings when students are responsive to my efforts, but also as it allows me to continue learning, applying and adapting what I have learned to meet the different learning needs of a diverse student cohort.”

Professor Chris Patel

Finalist: HDR Supervisor of the year

Professor Chris Patel is a globally-recognised academic in the field of international accounting and provides research leadership in this area at the University. Chris’ high profile has attracted quality Higher Degree Research candidates to Macquarie’s research program and contributed to its global reputation.

He describes his core objective as “collaborating with colleagues to build a dedicated team at Macquarie to accelerate world-leading research performance in international accounting”.

Chris works closely with academics around the world and brings visiting scholars to the University who are attracted to his innovative and cross-disciplinary theoretical and methodological framework in international accounting.

“With so many excellent supervisors at Macquarie, I am honoured to be nominated for the award,” he said.

“It is a pleasure to see so many diverse and innovative supervision practices at our University which enable our students to develop as independent researchers.”

Stay tuned next week to meet more of our amazing finalists!

Don’t forget to register for the awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday 1 November.