Glasgow College, UESTC

A variety of recent teaching awards, promotions, funding awards, invitations, and certifications, evidence the excellent contributions of our academic and professional services staff.

Learning and Teaching Awards

Dean of TNE Engineering Education and Dean of Graduate Studies Professor Muhammad Imran was excited to share that three colleagues from our fly-in fly-out (FIFO) teaching team at Glasgow College UESTC have been recognised for their hard work and excellence in delivery of their teaching. Each will receive a 'College Teaching Excellence Award' to be presented by James Watt School of Engineering's Head of School.

• Professor Sajjad Hussain – for his work on use of technology for immersive learning and student participation in active learning
• Professor João Ponciano – for his leadership and contributions in improving student learning experience during pandemic and beyond
• Dr Yao Sun – for his contributions to the use of technology for increasing student confidence in idea sharing and enabling impactful collaborations in projects and other areas of collaborative learning

Professor Sajjad Hussain said of his award:

"This award is a tribute to my supportive colleagues and incredible students. A special thanks to GC-UESTC for providing me with the resources to accomplish this achievement."

"I am sure you will all join me in congratulating the colleagues for this great recognition of their contributions" Professor Muhammad Imran, Dean of Graduate Studies, CoSE; Dean TNE Engineering Education.

Academic Promotions

• Dr Hanaa Abumarshoud, who teaches on our EEE with Communications programmes, was promoted to G8 Lecturer
• Professor Duncan Bremner, who teaches Professional Practise and Electronic Systems Design, newly promoted to Professor
• Professor Sajjad Hussain, Programme Director for EEE with Information Engineering (Chengdu), newly promoted to Professor
• Dr Lina Mohjazi, who teaches on our EEE with Communications programmes, was promoted to Senior Lecturer (a role equivalent in many countries to Associate Professor).

Dr Lina Mohjazi expressed her gratitude for the "immense support and encouragement that have guided me through this journey." 

Warmest congratulations to all!

International Experience Fund (IEF) award for Sandra Hynes

TNE Operational Coordinator Sandra Hynes, who has worked with our partnership since 2019, was awarded £1000 funding towards the cost of a visit to the Glasgow College, UESTC Chengdu and Hainan campuses, from the University of Glasgow's International Experience Fund (IEF). 

This recognised the importance of her visit in meeting key university objectives around internationalisation (as laid out in the Global Glasgow International Strategy 2025) and supported her own personal and professional development. Sandra's trip provided opportunities for skills sharing, information sharing, relationship building, outreach activities, and student engagement.

Representing University of Glasgow at the 2024 Glasgow College, International Education Exhibition

Of her funding win, Sandra said: "I was very grateful to receive the funding award and to have the support of my line manager for the opportunity to visit our campuses in China. Having the opportunity to meet colleagues I have worked with virtually over the past 5 years in person, and making new connections, has been instrumental in developing my sense of being part of the wider international community. I strongly encourage others to apply to the award scheme."

Of her time in China, she reported: "This trip was important for strengthening coordinated ways of working across our campuses, a core activity of my role as TNE Operational Coordinator. I want to better promote and support our study abroad programmes for students, and after meeting with students in person, have a better understanding of their needs and of student life at Glasgow College. Having experienced our vibrant campus communities, I feel more motivated than ever to continue my work in developing our partnership with UESTC.

To see the development of the Hainan Lingshui Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, and our Hainan campus there, was awe-inspiring. The opportunity to get on stage and share the Ceilidh dance instructions at the area's biggest ever Ceilidh, was the experience of a lifetime and something I will never forget!"  

Conference Chair Honor

Professor Kelum Gamage was honoured to chair the 2024 '5th International Conference on Education Development and Studies' ICEDS, at Robinson College, University of Cambridge, between April 24th and 26th. He also delivered a keynote talk titled "Fostering Authentic Learning: Strategies in Assessment Design to Mitigate Cheating".

Kelum told us: "As the Chair of the 5th International Conference on Education Development and Studies, I was thrilled to highlight the transformative potential of this gathering. The conference is more than an academic exchange; it is a powerful platform where global educators, researchers, and thought leaders unite to shape the future of education. Our discussions addressed not only current challenges but also forged pathways toward more inclusive, innovative, sustainable and resilient educational systems worldwide."

Enhancing Programme Leadership certification

Dr Wasim Ahmad, currently a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for EEE with Communications at our Chengdu campus, was delighted to share the news of his latest certification in 'Enhancing Programme Leadership' from AdvanceHE, the leading body for academic professional development certifications and training in the UK.

AdvanceHE, though a UK based organisation, have a definite global reach, working "with higher education institutions around the world to improve higher education for staff, students and society" through a wide and varied range of highly focused programmes and initiatives.

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First published: 18 August 2024