Chemistry Academic Shortlisted for ‘Masters Teacher of the Year’ Award

The ‘FindaMasters’ Masters teacher of the year award aims to celebrate the individual who has created the most positive and encouraging learning environment, who gives their students high-quality constructive feedback, who is approachable, passionate about their subject, and always put the student first.

Dr Matharu is being recognised for his work as Course Director of the MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology. This unique taught course allows students to discover how green and sustainable chemistry can help with the industrial challenges faced by increasing global demand for sustainable products and processes.  Students are empowered in critical-thinking, research and leadership skills.

In recent years, working closely with colleagues in the Chemistry Graduate Office, this course has grown to a size of well over 30 students each year, who come from all corners of the world and receive supervision and guidance from Dr Matharu throughout their time in the Department. As well as being Course Director, he leads the ‘Principles of Green Chemistry’ module which begins the students’ study in York. Alongside the academic content, Avtar helps the students to find their own place in this unique learning community. He is a previous winner of the University of York’s ‘Supervisor of the Year Award’.

FindAMasters is an online database of Masters degree programmes and related opportunities. Established in 2005, it lists over 25,000 postgraduate courses at institutions around the world and includes detailed funding and advice sections for students.

Dr Matharu is nominated alongside six other academics from across the UK, with the winner due to be announced on Monday 7 June.