Dr Josie Billington, from the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
The award recognises her contribution to the student learning experience and her pioneering work developing the new interdisciplinary field of reading and health.
National Teaching Fellowships celebrate excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning, and awards are given for innovative practice. Award winners were chosen from more than 180 nominations submitted by further and higher education institution across England, Ireland and Wales.
Volunteering programes
Dr Billington has instigated a range of award-winning volunteering programmes for English students, enabling them to take their subject and literary skills into community life. Alongside this work she has published extensively on Victorian literature, and taught across a range of genres, periods and programmes in English Literature.
She is also Deputy Director of the University’s Centre for Research into Reading, Literature and Society (CRILS), and is currently engaged in interdisciplinary research projects related to chronic pain, women prisoners, reading with children and families, and the psychology of reading, with colleagues in Medicine, Health and Psychological Sciences.
Professor Ken Badcock, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science Engineering, who led the University’s National Teaching Fellowship submission, said: “We are delighted that Dr Billington’s work in the emerging field of reading and health has been recognised.
“Her work has helped to both develop a new discipline and enliven an existing discipline which has catalysed the engagement of students and made a significant contribution to the civic mission of the University.”
The University has a strong track record in the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme. Members of staff who are interested in applying for a National Teaching Fellowship should contact Dr Peter Kahn, Educational Development Division, Centre for Lifelong Learning for further details and advice.
