Published on 31 August 2017
A Reader in Pedagogic Practice in the University of Sunderland’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, Dr Hayes has been announced as one of only 55 new National Teaching Fellows (NTF) by the Higher Education Academy this year.
Qualifying in Podiatric Medicine in 1992, Dr Hayes is now involved in innovative work in transcending disciplinarity between art and science and has published extensively on pedagogic research and professional practice in peer reviewed journals.
She says the NTF - one of the most prestigious national individual awards given for excellence in teaching in higher education, is an “honour”, adding:“This really is a humbling testimony to the work I have been able to undertake with our inspiring students and my colleagues, in the context of learning enhancement, here at the University of Sunderland.
“I am delighted to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship and I am hopeful that this will be a platform for the foundation of future work both within my everyday role in health sciences pedagogic practice and within work external to the institution. Working so closely with committed academics nationally and internationally in the context of Higher Education has been a wonderful opportunity for new collaborative opportunities in pedagogic practice over recent years.”
At Sunderland, Dr Hayes undertakes pedagogic research, evaluation and supervises doctoral and masters students, as well as leading MSc dissertation modules for the Health Team in Public Health, Nursing and Psychosis and complex mental health interventions. She also is also module leader for Teaching, Learning and Leadership and Professional Practice for Professional Doctorate students. Catherine is a Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow), Fellow of the College of Podiatry and General Practice (London), Honorary Member by Distinction of the Faculty of Public Health and a Chartered Scientist, she is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has an active interest in transdisciplinary education between science and art.
The University’s Vice Chancellor Shirley Atkinson said: “Catherine’s National Teaching Fellowship award is fantastic news and very well deserved.
“A dedicated academic who has made a significant contribution in the field of education, Catherine continues to develop her innovative research and invaluable pedagogic practice which constantly inspires all those around her.
“We are incredibly proud of all her achievements, and to be recognised by the Higher Education Academy is acknowledgement for the consistent work our staff do to support our students to reach their potential, whatever their circumstance.”
Dr Hayes has authored and edited numerous publications to date and is currently leading a nationally authored and co-edited book with colleagues, titled ‘Beyond Disciplinarity in Social Science; Ontology, Philosophy and Methodology’ reflecting her capacity to work and mentor within an array of academic and professional disciplines. Alongside this monograph, Dr Hayes has recently been invited to write ‘Foundations of Philosophy for Social Science’ for Sage Publications, which will be published in 2021.
She has taught the philosophical underpinnings of research design and methodology since joining the University eleven years ago and has worked in developing and publishing new approaches in the use of autoethnography as a method of critical introspection for doctoral candidates.
As well as her faculty facing role in health sciences pedagogy as Reader, Dr Hayes is committed to the potential for collaborative working in pedagogic practice across all faculties at the University. She plans to continue working strategically on faculty and institutional pedagogic projects, including curriculum development and pedagogic research mentorship. She has also worked in pedagogic practice as part of her external engagement with the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, the Royal Society of Arts and the UK Faculty of Public Health. Most recently Catherine has become a National Committee Member for the award of Chartered Scientist for Allied Healthcare Professionals on behalf of the UK College of Podiatry and an Ordinary Committee Member of the UK Researching Advancing and Inspiring Student Engagement (RAISE) Network.
HEA Chief Executive, Professor Stephanie Marshall, said: “A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in higher education. These awards represent a fantastic achievement by all 55 new NTFs. I am sure the whole sector joins me in applauding them in their success.”
The new National Teaching Fellows are selected from across Wales, Northern Ireland and England, and come from across a broad range of subject areas. The NTFs were nominated by their institutions and submissions had to show evidence of three criteria: individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.