The Terri Apter Teaching Prize is being awarded to Dr Stephanie Smith, Director of Studies in Chemistry, to recognise the outstanding teaching that she has provided and overseen for the great benefit of our students in the Natural Sciences tripos.
The prize particularly aims to recognise excellent teaching by College staff and was established following the retirement of a former Senior Tutor, Dr Terri Apter.
It is awarded to the College Lecturer, Director of Studies, or Special Supervisor whose teaching the Senior Tutor wishes to recognise as having been of the greatest benefit to Newnham students or whose subject has shown excellent and improved academic results.
Since 2019, Dr Smith has directed studies for 22 Part II students in Chemistry at Newnham. Of the 13 who have already graduated, 8 achieved a First. In 2020-21 one of our Part III chemists won the Johnson Matthey prize for the best Inorganic project. Last summer, another student ranked an impressive 7/115 in Part II. Dr Smith’s thoughtful supervision reports attest to her dedication, and numerous students have conveyed their thanks for her inspiring teaching.
One hundred and thirty-five years ago, Ida Freund came to Newnham to teach chemistry. In 2022, the attraction of the subject is borne out by the numbers: there are currently 9 Part II students in Chemistry. It is with much gratitude and sincere appreciation that the award of the Terri Apter Teaching Prize is made to Dr Stephanie Smith.