25 November 1992 Special Achievement Awards for Four Lincoln Staff Members

Lincoln University has honoured four staff members – a computer scientist, a sociologist, an economist and a plant scientist – for outstanding achievements in teaching and research.

In the third annual Special Achievement Awards, prizes have been presented to Walt Abell, Lecturer in the Centre for Computing and Biometrics, and Bob Gidlow, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, for excellence in teaching, and to Dr Paul Dalziel, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Marketing and Dr Mitchell Andrews, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Plant Science, for excellence in research and creative activity.

The aim of Lincoln's Special Achievement Awards is to acknowledge excellence among staff members in a way that stands outside the traditional, longer-term promotional process. The awards carry a cash prize.

The citation for computer scientist Walt Abell's award highlights enthusiasm as the hallmark of his teaching. He is described as an organised, knowledgeable and highly skilled communicator who has made significant contributions to curriculum development at a time when the growth in computing at Lincoln has been very rapid.

"He is a leader rather than a follower and he continues to refine earlier work by incorporating more student needs, more staff expertise and more information which is at the cutting edge of computer science", says the citation.

Students comment on his innovative laboratory and project designs.

Sociologist Bob Gidlow's citation draws attention to the energy, up-to-date information and encouragement for learning which he brings to his teaching. He is described as a "student's teacher" whose work is characterised by a ready approachability and a willingness to give time to individuals especially those having difficulties.

"Where he has taught he leaves a track record of enhanced respect both for the subject and the teaching profession", it says.

Colleagues comment on his intellectual challenge and his stimulating discourse. He has contributed richly to curriculum development and teaching forums at Lincoln.

Economist Dr Paul Dalziel is a researcher with the skill of being able to communicate his ideas to class students and individuals outside the university alike, says his citation.

This communication has been achieved by significant publications in the form of books and journal articles, and through contributions to the media, addresses to lay groups and membership of an advisory panel for macroeconomic forecasting which is run by the NZ Treasury.

Dr Dalziel's work has focused on monetary disinflation and the relationship between budget deficits, savings behaviour and income distribution. This is directly related to his applied contributions on the quality and evolution of macroeconomic policy-making in New Zealand.

Dr Dalziel is described as a "striking example of how it is possible for a committed researcher to enhance teaching quality and to raise the public profile of Lincoln University".

Dr Mitchell Andrews' citation praises his significant contributions to scientific knowledge and primary production. It notes that he has conducted quality research programmes in Plant Science and that his published work is highly regarded both nationally and internationally.

Dr Andrews' main areas of research are plant photosynthesis/carbon assimilation, and nitrogen assimilation. His work on nitrate assimilation is now quoted in university textbooks in plant physiology. He has also developed new techniques which have been applied to the wide range of plant science research projects with which he is involved.

Dr Andrews has inspired many research students and has assisted in their career development. His enthusiasm and high standards of research are admired by his colleagues says the citation, and he has had a positive impact on the research activities of many staff at Lincoln University.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.