Gail Carson and Áine McGuckin, technicans from the School of Pharmacy, completed an AFHEA course facilitated by Karen Fraser from the Centre of Educational Development in July 2019 on the Health Sciences site. The series of AFHEA sessions was specifically adapted and developed with technical staff for technical staff in the Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Sciences. Gail and Áine were delighted to be recently awarded Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).

‘Last Summer I attended the AFHEA course for technical staff ran by Karen Fraser (Education Developer from the Centre for Educational Development). Having been a Research Technician at Queens for 17 years, I have been involved in training and teaching many students both undergraduate and postgraduate in the lab. This course made me not only reflect on the different techniques I use but also why I use them. I was a bit out of my comfort zone in having to write an assignment as I hadn’t done anything like that in a very long time but there is plenty of support and help for doing that too. I have benefitted from the course as it will hopefully make me a better teacher and it was a great opportunity as a technician to be able to gain a Higher Education Award. I would highly recommend the course to all technicians. It is a very valuable for your professional development as well as giving you recognition for what you do.’   Gail Carson

‘I am delighted to have been awarded Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) status.The award increases the visibility of Technician roles in teaching and learning throughout the University and highlights the positive impact they have on student performance in keeping with the ethos of the Technician Commitment.I feel this award has given me confidence in my ability to deliver high quality sessions, developing a strong learning environment to build student confidence and skills in dealing with patients.’  Áine McGuckin