A chemistry lecturer from Keele University has been commended for her impact on teaching innovation and student outcomes with a prestigious national award. 

Dr Katherine Haxton, a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Keele, has secured a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE, honouring her work in challenging the norms of chemistry education. 

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) recognises, rewards and celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession. 

Dr Haxton’s approach to teaching chemistry differs from the norm by emphasising the role that chemistry students and graduates can play in tackling our current and future challenges we face for global benefit. 

This approach is evidenced not only by her passion for social justice and widening participation in higher education, but also her belief that education is both a human right and responsibility to be used for the good of society. 

This belief led to her developing the sector-leading Sustainable Chemistry module for first year students, which has received national acclaim for contextualising chemistry within social, economic and political frameworks, as well as aligning learning activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and includes innovative mini-problem based learning activities to help students place the chemistry ideas and concepts in a social, economic or political context. 

Dr Haxton said: “Being awarded a National Teaching Fellowship is an incredible honour and I am delighted to receive this recognition for my approach to making chemistry fit for the 21st century. 

“It is a privilege to work alongside so many talented people at Keele, including colleagues in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. and KIITE, who have created a supportive environment for this type of work to be done. I am also grateful to our amazing students, past and present, for their input and hard work.”

Professor Kristyan Spelman Miller, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Keele, added: "I am absolutely delighted that Katherine's innovative approach to teaching has been recognised through this important national award. Katherine has an outstanding track record and reputation for inspirational education, scholarship and educational leadership, reflecting  her dedication and commitment to sustainability, social justice and inclusion, which are core to Keele's mission. Her work has had tremendous impact far beyond her discipline and thewider university. We are very proud of her achievements."