CATH SEEDS, a Scotland’s Rural College lecturer, has been recognised for her efforts to enhance teaching and improve the student experience during the coronavirus pandemic.

Programme team leader for Wildlife and Conservation Management at SRUC’s South and West Faculty, Ms Seeds has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category of the annual THE Awards.

During the coronavirus pandemic, she has used her experience in both e-learning and nature conservation to embrace digitally enhanced teaching with a focus on the student experience.

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From supporting a cross-campus re-design of a key programme, to developing a virtual field trip during the first Covid-19 lockdown and completing the Scottish Academic Leadership Programme, Cath was described as both 'passionate and imaginative' in her support of colleagues and students.

She said: "I am both shocked and delighted to be shortlisted. It has been an unprecedented time for everyone in education and it is lovely to be recognised for the hard work and creative energy that went into delivering our programme over the last year.

“I found it an extremely challenging time but also an inspiring one, to see how far we could take our teaching delivery to ensure our students on the Wildlife and Conservation Management course could gain a high-quality experience despite the effects of Covid.

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“It is also an opportunity to reflect on the brilliant team at SRUC who inspire and support each other. We are a team and as such the last year has been truly a team effort."

Dean of SRUC’s South and West Faculty, Nick Sparks, said: “Cath is recognised by colleagues and students alike as an outstanding, innovative and generous teacher.

“For Cath, the students come first, followed closely by her team, and she is always striving to give them the best experience while also proactively supporting colleagues in their development. This nomination is richly deserved and will be welcomed by Cath’s students and colleagues alike.”

The 17th annual THE Awards – which are widely known as the ‘Oscars of higher education’ will take place on November 25, at the Hilton London Metropole in central London