Sam has positively impacted students and colleagues in the Department of Psychology and beyond through multiple initiatives. Colleagues highlighted his work to enhance personal tutoring by developing Personal Tutoring ‘lecture’ sessions, including those focused on understanding feedback or selecting optional modules. He’s helped create a sense of community by organising a range of welcome events and has impacted well beyond Royal Holloway through his Psychology Debrief YouTube Channel, which has over 2,000 subscribers. His essay writing videos have been viewed over 2,000 times.

The teaching and support team for the compulsory first year Media Arts module MA1051 Introduction to Media Histories have collaborated to make significant improvements to the module which have halved non-submission rates. This has significantly reduced the number of resits and failed assessments on the module. Colleagues have told us that the team have supported each other throughout the module and developed a collegiate and constructive working environment where positive student outcomes are the shared goal.

Beatrice has had a hugely positive impact early in her career through co-production with students and evidence-informed practice. A colleague who nominated Beatrice told us how focused she has been on student co-creation and co-production and this has fed directly into two wonderful initiatives. Wellbeing Day is helping to support students via a range of exciting activities. A second initiative ‘Academic and Beyond’, has been created to support students at key moments to make the right choices for during their time with us, especially around optional modules, future studies and career development.

Phil (Geography) has supervised 42 PhD students to successful completion over his career, the vast majority at Royal Holloway. Their work has shaped the field of Cultural Geography, in both the UK and internationally. Student testimonials highlighted Phil's humility and the way he quietly extends and deepens the experience of his postgraduate research students. One student described how Phil’s “unassuming manner was crucial for me developing a strong sense that I belonged”. Another said that Phil made academia “welcoming through his humanity, patience and generosity of time”. Students told us about the values of “intellectual curiosity” and collegiality that they learnt from Phil, as they went on to pursue successful careers in academia, business and public institutions.

Ben has consistently supported students with kindness and humanity, while never sacrificing constructive feedback and intellectual support. Student testimonials detail specific ways in which he has supported them through personal challenges and explain how this support helped them to success academically. Ben has been able to “drive intellectual curiosity, with kindness”. One student said that “he genuinely cared about me personally and professionally. Due to his caring and open approach, I really valued the feedback and criticisms he gave.”

Stefan's thoughtful academic guidance and genuine care have empowered his students to grow and thrive at Royal Holloway. Students described his “unwavering support and empathy”. Another said that “he goes above and beyond”, that he has “an extraordinary ability to listen” and that he “creates a safe and empowering space for students to grow.”  Others highlighted how “his kindness and integrity have had a profoundly positive impact”, that “he truly cares about each student” and that he has enabled students to “feel seen, heard and capable of thriving at Royal Holloway”.

Amongst a field of very moving testimonies, Suki’s work was especially notable because of her very clear impact. She was described as “highly supportive”, “kind” and “gentle”. One student commented “I owe her the world and I have no doubt she has done the same for others.”

Students said Lyn has championed diversity, created safe and inclusive spaces and has reinforced the message that people from vulnerable groups can succeed. A student nomination read: "Dr Johnstone has made her classes and her office feel like an inclusive and accepting space for everyone, and she continuously encourages students to speak their mind and challenge the status quo." 

Students said Yvonne's passionate and well-structured teaching has had a profound impact on their interest in Law and made them confident in their learning. Students have found “every one of her lectures engaging” and that her knowledge is “immense”. They told us that "Her passion for the topic was inspiring. She makes every lecture engaging allowing us to test our knowledge ... we always left the lecture theatre feeling confident in ourselves and what we had learnt.” 

Students said that Iñaki's dedication, expertise, and approachability has had a genuine impact on their academic and personal success. A student nomination read: "Iñaki consistently goes above and beyond in supporting both staff and students … His friendly and supportive manner creates a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and are empowered to do their best work. Iñaki is making a genuine impact on the academic and personal success of those around him.” 

The SHAPE team on the Integrated Foundation Year stood out for their impact on Integrated Foundation Year students, increasing their confidence, critical thinking, and motivation to study. Students commented on how the team “provided strong academic support” and helped students “grow in confidence”. One student said, “they encouraged me consistently, helping me feel prepared and motivated to progress onto my official degree pathway."