A passion and drive to enhance the student learning experience in the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum and transform the Museum into a world class teaching facility has seen Mr Chris Smith receive the School of Biomedical Sciences Teaching Support Sustained Contribution award for 2018.
Chris has been the Anatomy Museum Curator for just over 13 years. Under his stewardship the Museum has evolved into a modern learning resource that is internationally recognised. Chris has contributed many initiatives to the Museum over these years, including introducing 3-D anatomical software programs, and digitising archived radiographs and plastinated body sections; purchasing models to enhance the Museum collection; and allowing students after-hours access to study.
He is a passionate advocate for the Museum, and never misses a chance to promote the facility and its collection through outreach activities, tours, and presentations at national and international scientific and conservation conferences.
Chris was recently elected the vice-president of the Australasian Institute for Anatomical Sciences, a group dedicated to the support and professional development of technical and administrative staff associated with the teaching of anatomical science, and is active within the New Zealand Conservators of Cultural Material.
It is without doubt that the Department is grateful for Chris' work and his commitment to providing outstanding teaching support in the Department. We are exceptionally lucky to work with someone of Chris' ability – he is always willing to help and think outside the square, is enthusiastic, and demonstrates professionalism in all that he does.
This recognition by the School is richly deserved.