Physiology team receives Vice-Chancellor’s Special Commendation

Physiology team from left to right: Barbara Smith, Svetlana Stanojkovic, Kushani Weerakoon, Alda Retre and Sofie Saleh, pictured with team leader Rebecca Flower

Congratulations to the Physiology Practical Teaching Laboratory Officer Team who have been awarded a Special Commendation Certificate in the 2017 Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff – Team Category.

The team, comprising Alda Retre, Sofie Saleh, Barbara Smith, Svetlana Stanojkovic and Kushani Weerakoon, are absolutely invaluable and core to the efficient and smooth delivery of practicals to approximately 5500 students per year, across 9 units in first semester and 11 units in second semester.

The team work to strict deadlines and sometimes stressful changeovers between practicals, providing their service to students over two floors of laboratories and sometimes a third external venue.

​They consistently strive for a high standard of setup delivery in the face of increasing student numbers year on year, as well as an increasing number of setups per practical and the number times the practical is repeated each week. Five years ago, Physiology had 330 students in PHY2011, in 2017 there was 624, and these numbers are likely increase by another 100-150 students in 2018.

​Working overtime as necessary to ensure the practicals are delivered on time, the dedicated team are often in at 7am for preparation and setup.

The team also invigilate exams and sort the exams at the end of each semester.

During semester breaks, the team ensures equipment is serviced, maintained and in working order for the upcoming semester, consumables are replenished and preparation rooms are maintained to laboratory standards.

The team also assist academics with Moodle tasks, uploading information into the Unit Guide Management System and editing Practical Manuals.

​Without the Physiology Practical Teaching Laboratory Officer team, practicals simply would not be possible in Physiology, and it is this hands-on experience which students enjoy and keep coming back for.

Congratulations to Alda, Sofie, Barbara, Svetlana and Kushani on this well-deserved Vice-Chancellor’s Special Commendation.