Dr Amy Matthews, from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, is the recipient of the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervision.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Supervision rewards outstanding HDR supervision and encourages excellence across the various dimensions of supervision through the recognition of best practice and quality supervision in accordance with the Award Rules.
Winning this award is deeply meaningful for Dr Matthews. She was nominated by two of her current PhD students. She loves working with HDR students and pours a lot of time and energy into the process. Dr Matthews describes her supervisory style as flexible, tailored to each individual student’s needs. She believes in meeting people where they are and designing a scaffolded approach to supervision that is responsive to their needs – which change semester to semester and year to year.
One of Dr Matthew’s students describes her as
‘The most supportive, caring and motivating supervisor I have encountered in my academic career. Not only does Amy constantly provide support and encouragement to my research and career but I have witnessed how she fosters this with the entire academic community, the broader writerly community and to each of the students she teaches and mentors.’
Another of Dr Matthew’s students says
‘Amy is paramount to my success as a PhD student at Flinders University. Speaking to all of Amy’s strengths as a researcher and supervisor is incredibly difficult, as the list is never ending. I am, beyond a shadow of a doubt, incredibly grateful I am able to study with and alongside her, and am grateful, endlessly, for the support, guidance and insight she gives me as her student.’
Dr Matthews will be recognised for her outstanding contribution to HDR Supervision at Flinders University at an Awards ceremony later this month. As part of the prize Dr Matthews will deliver a professional development session to fellow HDR Supervisors.
Congratulations Amy!