Surrey Teaching and Academic Greatness
(STAG) Awards 2026
Surrey Students' Union is delighted to share the winners of this year’s Surrey Teaching and Academic Greatness (STAG) Awards.
These awards celebrate the incredible academic and academic support staff who go above and beyond to make our students' university experience the best it can be. This year’s winners have made a real difference with their inspiring teaching and outstanding student support.
Luana Vasconcelos, VP Voice, Surrey Students’ Union - “On behalf of Surrey Students’ Union, I’d like to say congratulations to all our award winners! Our thanks also go out to all the staff who were highly commended and nominated for an award. It’s clear just how much of a positive impact you have on your students.”
STAG Award Winners
Outstanding Lecturer
Dr Sophie Billington, School of Medicine
"As the medical school's clinical skills lead, she's been working incredibly hard to pioneer the program and maximise our learning. She is compassionate, kind, funny and honest. She is always receptive to feedback, goes above and beyond for both students and colleagues, is extremely passionate about medicine and is someone we aspire to be like, and one day make proud."
Excellence in Student Support
Dr Lisa Morrison, Maths & Physics
"Lisa has a way of helping people relax in her presence and provides excellent advice and support with not only academic matters, but also personal. She goes above and beyond her role as senior tutor. It is no exaggeration to call her our angel of the physics department, and she deserves recognition for all the work she puts in supporting us all individually and collectively."
Best Personal Tutor
Deji Sotunde, Surrey Business School
"Since becoming a student at the university, Deji has consistently been in my corner, supporting and encouraging me in every academic and professional decision I have made. Deji played a crucial role in helping me discover the right networks and people I could turn to for advice and support. Deji has truly made a lasting impact on my university experience."
Inclusivity Champion
Dr Gabriele Lazzari, Literature & Languages
"Dr Lazzari consistently demonstrates a commitment to equity and diversity, ensuring the reading lists for each of his modules include authors and stories across the globe and which celebrate diverse communities. Dr Lazzari worked hard to diversity the curriculum, and during seminars, he always ensures everyone feels included and supported to raise their points."
Student Voice Champion
Dr Liz Bahs, Literature & Languages
"Dr Liz Bahs not only is an exceptional lecturer and seminar leader, but she always keeps the student voice at the heart of everything she does. As a Course Rep I've always felt like my voice was heard by Liz, and she made me feel supported to succeed in the role. Liz always takes student feedback seriously and acts upon it."
Exceptional Feedback
Dr Amy Morgan, Literature & Languages
"Her feedback during our 1-1 session following the submission of my outline was super helpful and she really took the time during the session to expand on the feedback. I felt like I came out of that discussion feeling more prepared for the assignment and this was reflected in the grade and feedback I received for the final submission."
Outstanding Contribution to Research Supervision
Professor M. Alector Ribeiro, Hospitality & Tourism
"I am nominating this professor because he genuinely transformed the way I think about research. When I first submitted my research sketch, I felt quite uncertain about my ability to approach academic research at the required level. He took the time to guide me through how to think critically, structure ideas and approach research questions more thoughtfully."
Highly Commended
Outstanding Lecturer
Charlie Adler, School of Health Sciences
"Charlie is an amazing lecturer, tutor and all-around person. Charlie is beyond passionate in his endeavours to provide students with the best quality education and set us up fully for our careers."
Dr David Birch, School of Engineering
"Outstanding teaching, massively inspiring, extremely knowledgeable, funny but also serious about engineering, great sense of humour and above all, a genuine, real person."
Dr Sarah Bolger, School of Health Sciences
"Sarah consistently delivers fun, engaging lectures and demonstrates creativity in ensuring that all topics are clearly understood. Sarah is always willing to offer additional support when needed."
Sylvia Ganbert, Hospitality & Tourism
"Sylvia combines excellent subject knowledge with clear and engaging teaching, making complex concepts easy to understand. Her genuine care for her students makes her truly deserving."
Excellence in Student Support
Dr Adriana Soni Garcia, Psychology
"Her genuine care for student wellbeing is evident in the time and attention she dedicates planning fun events for the cohort. She is approachable, efficient, and highly responsive, regularly going above and beyond."
Lisa Dennis, School of Health Sciences
"Lisa has gone above and beyond for me and many other students. She has always made time for me and supported and believed in me. She genuinely cares – it’s been a privilege to be taught by her."
Sam Harrison, School of Health Sciences
"Sam has gone above and beyond to ensure struggling students feel supported and safe and continuously checks in on their wellbeing. Her care and dedication have made a significant difference to those students."
Dr Saori Sugeno – Surrey Business School
"She fosters a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel heard and valued. She is highly approachable, consistently responsive, and addresses student concerns with empathy and professionalism."
Best Personal Tutor
Professor Benjamin Gardner, Psychology
"He is always approachable and available to talk, creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing both academic and personal challenges."
Dr David Allen, School of Veterinary Medicine
"Dr Allen is genuinely one of the kindest and most supportive tutors I've come across. He's always patient, approachable, and willing to help with anything, whether it's academic or personal."
Dr Lisa Morrison, Maths & Physics
"The kindest person I have ever met, always responding with empathy and understanding, as well as constructive solutions. She is deeply invested in helping us succeed, both academically and personally."
Shantel Lynch, School of Biosciences
"She builds excellent rapport with her warmth and kindness. She provides strategic advice to navigate challenges and is truly one of a kind. It is a privilege to be under her care."
Inclusivity Champion
Dr Katherine Hubbard, Sociology
"In a world with so much sensitivity and taboo around gender, sex and sexuality, Katherine shines a bright light into the inclusive space it can be. There’s no question of safety when you are in her proximity."
Dr Lena Mattheis, Literature & Languages
"Dr Mattheis always highlights the need for inclusive and diverse learning, diversifying reading lists to represent various communities and highlighting queer voices. Lena has been an incredible advocate for inclusivity."
Student Voice Champion
Dr Mariam Cirovic, Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
"Mariam has been incredibly supportive, supporting us as Reps to have real influence on our course, and helping me plan a CompSci Course Rep social, providing space for Reps to socialise with key staff."
Dr Sarah Bailey, School of Biosciences
"Sarah’s dedication to the student voice throughout this academic year has been truly exceptional. By initiating informal pre-SSLC meetings, she created a safe, informal space for hearing Rep voices."
Professor Theofanis Exdaktylos, Politics & International Relations
"In our first meeting, he offered to support any political events I would host at Surrey. This led to the Politics department's most successful event of the year, which was a huge opportunity for students."
Dr Lena Mattheis, Literature & Languages
"Dr Mattheis always highlights the need for inclusive and diverse learning, diversifying reading lists to represent various communities and highlighting queer voices. Lena has been an incredible advocate for inclusivity."
Exceptional Feedback
Professor Carol Woodhams, Surrey Business School
"Carol ensured to check in with me regularly and offered specific feedback during my placement year. Thanks to Carol, I could share my progress, reflect on it and set smart targets for my future."
All Nominees
Outstanding Lecturer Award:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
Dr Abdul-Razak Alhassan – Surrey Business School
Dr Alex Mandilaras – Economics
Dr Becky Wills – Literature & Languages
Dr Christopher Taggart – Surrey Law School
Dr David Walker-Jones – Economics
Dr Emily Finch – Surrey Law School
Dr Feja Lesniewska – Surrey Law School
Dr Laura Blow – Economics
Dr Lena Mattheis – Literature & Languages
Dr M. Mahdi Tavalaei – Surrey Business School
Dr Maria-Nerina Boursinou – Sociology
Dr Yanning Li – Hospitality & Tourism
James Green – Literature & Languages
Lisa Scott Gordon – Music & Media
Professor Bonnie Buchanan – Surrey Business School
Professor Bran Nicol (3 nominations) – Literature & Languages
Professor Ricardo Nunes – Economics
Professor Thomas Fackler (2 nominations) – Surrey Business School
Sylvia Ganbert (2 nominations) – Hospitality & Tourism
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences:
Caitlin Jeary – School of Biosciences
Charlie Adler (3 nominations) – School of Health Sciences
Charlotte Hebdige – School of Health Sciences
Dr Adriana Soni Garcia – Psychology
Dr Diana Cheso – Psychology
Dr Harry Roberts – School of Biosciences
Dr Martin Hawes (2 nominations) – School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr Matteo Barberis (2 nominations) – School of Biosciences
Dr Patrizia Camelliti – School of Biosciences
Dr Sarah Bolger – School of Health Sciences
Dr Sarah Hack – Psychology
Dr Sophie Billington (10 nominations) – Surrey Medical School
Dr Selvin Stanley Solis – School of Biosciences
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences:
Dr Andrew Viquerat – School of Engineering
Dr David Birch (9 nominations) – School of Engineering
Dr Frank Guerin – Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Dr James Wright – Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Milan Antonijevic – Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Sotiris Moschoyiannis – Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Professor Gregory Chockler – Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Excellence in Student Support Award:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
Dr Benaliza Loo – Surrey Business School
Dr Liz Bahs – Literature & Languages
Dr Saori Sugeno – Surrey Business School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences:
Annette Davies – School of Health Sciences
Charlotte Hebdige – School of Health Sciences
Dr Adriana Soni Garcia (5 nominations) - Psychology
Dr Debbie Gooch - Psychology
Dr Julie Hunt – School of Biosciences
Dr Sarah Bailey – School of Biosciences
Lisa Dennis – School of Health Sciences
Sam Harrison – School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences:
Dr Lisa Morrison (10 nominations) – Maths & Physics
Dr Mariam Cirovic – Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Other:
Craig Aldridge – Students’ Union
Best Personal Tutor:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
Deji Sotunde – Surrey Business School
Dr Alex Mandilaras – Economics
Dr Nathalie Weidhase – Sociology
Dr Stephen Mooney – Literature & Languages
Professor Constance Bantman – Literature & Languages
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences:
Dr David Allen – School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr Emily Auger – School of Veterinary Medicine
Professor Benjamin Gardner – Psychology
Shantel Lynch – School of Biosciences
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences:
Dr Lisa Morrison – Maths & Physics
Inclusivity Champion Award:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
Dr Gabriele Lazzari – Literature & Languages
Dr Katherine Hubbard – Sociology
Dr Lena Mattheis – Literature & Languages
Student Voice Champion Award:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
John Warburton – Music & Media
Lisa Scott Gordon – Music & Media
Dr Liz Bahs – Literature & Languages
Professor Theofanis Exadaktylos – Politics & International Relations
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences:
Dr Sarah Bailey (2 nominations) – School of Biosciences
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences:
Dr Mariam Cirovic – Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Exceptional Feedback Award:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
Dr Amy Morgan – Literature & Languages
Professor Carol Woodhams – Surrey Business School
Outstanding Contribution to Research Supervision Award:
Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Sciences:
Professor M. Alector Ribeiro – Hospitality & Tourism
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences:
Dr Sarah Trinder – School of Biosciences
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