Heather Verkade steps down as Director of Learning and Teaching

A/Prof Heather Verkade, Dept Biochemistry & Pharmacology is stepping down as Director of Learning and Teaching (School of Biomedical Sciences) after four years in the role.

Heather is an academic leader and mentor. During her time as the Director of Learning and Teaching she motivated, encouraged and inspired her colleagues to deliver curriculum, ensuring they operate with a clear focus on delivering outcomes for students.

Heather’s Highlights in the role

  • Being able to connect the education focussed academics of the school with the learning and teaching activities of the faculty.
  • Including junior members of teaching staff in the Learning and Teaching committee to expand the committee experience of the school.
  • Being able to use the Learning and Teaching committee to ensure consistency of teaching processes across the departments.

A/Prof Verkade won the MDHS Award for Learning and Teaching Achievement in 2017, saying at the time that her teaching improved when she started to apply scientific principles to it: “We need to use evidence-based approaches, tailored to specific situations, and to be constantly evaluating and critiquing our approaches.”

Her ability to leverage existing school networks and cultivate effective teamwork as the school responded to the challenges of the pandemic did not go unnoticed. Neither did the large fluffy cat face on Covid zoom meetings!

Graham Mackay

Heather has contributed to many important school initiatives and improvements, particularly the 2021 school review of our majors and “what makes a good major”.

Gillian Waters, Academic Programs Manager

We thank Heather for her valuable input and look forward to her next endeavour.