A Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen accepted a special award at last week's Graduation ceremonies for his excellence in teaching, voted for entirely by his students.
Dr Laurent Trembleau, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry in the School of Natural and Computing Sciences, was the unanimous choice of students in the final year of Advanced Chemistry and Chemistry Research programmes.
His fourth year students praised him for his enthusiasm for his subject and his considerate concern for his students. They described him as being an “eternal optimist, good humoured” mentor, and added that: “his reassuring attitude and gentle encouragement leaves you feeling valued and as if the whole exchange has been his pleasure.”
His students also noted his inspiring teaching and commitment to being a supportive and caring tutor, with comments including, “When he helps, it is not out of obligation but because he really truly wants to help you, because he genuinely cares about his students”. They also noted his dedication and good will through being “patient and generous with both his knowledge and his time, despite his extremely busy schedule”. Helpfulness, approachability and the obvious care he showed for his students, which they supported by commenting that the nomination for Dr Trembleau was a decision “backed up by the entire 4th year class and there was nobody more deserving”.
Dr Trembleau, who is originally from France, joined the Department of Chemistry in 2004.
Dr Trembleau said: “I am delighted to have received this Award from the College of Physical Sciences, especially when it comes from nominations by students. I would like to thank them once more for their recognition. The College counts many outstanding teachers in its ranks and I feel lucky to have been chosen by the Directors of Teaching amongst several nominees this year. This Award is truly motivating and I will keep doing my best to provide high quality teaching and help all our dedicated students.”
Professor Bryan Macgregor, Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Physical Sciences congratulated Dr Trembleau on his award saying, “I am delighted to congratulate Dr Trembleau and wish to commend him for his dedication to the delivery of high quality teaching which is clearly greatly appreciated by his students.”
The Excellence in Teaching Award was first introduced in academic year 2006/07. All undergraduate students are invited to nominate a member of academic staff for the Teaching Award and one winner is chosen from each College.