Some of the Otago University Students' Association Supervisor of the Year award recipients are, from left, Division of Humanities Finalist Professor Anita Gibb, Division of Commerce Finalist Professor Maree Thyne, Division of Sciences Finalist Associate Professor Will Rayment, Division of Humanities Winner Dr Lynley Edmeades, Lynley's son Molloy, Division of Commerce Finalist Associate Professor Julia Albrecht, Division of Commerce Winner Professor Helen Roberts, the Graduate Research School Dean's Medal for Contribution to Supervision awardee Professor Ruth Fitzgerald, Division of Health Sciences Finalist Associate Professor Cathy Chapple and Professor Mark Lokman who received the Division of Sciences Finalist award on behalf of Dr Stephanie Godfrey.
Dr Bridie Allan has won the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) Overall Supervisor of the Year Award for 2025.
Supervisors from all Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Divisions were celebrated at a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
Bridie, Department of Marine Science, says winning the award is a “career highlight”.
“As a supervisor, you’re part of a student’s academic journey from the inception of a research idea to the submission of a thesis,” Bridie says.
“For a student, this is a period of enormous academic, professional and personal growth. It is such a privilege to witness that and to be recognised for my part in that journey.”
Bride says she spent eight years lecturing in the Department of Marine Science, and during that time had the privilege of supervising 30 students through their postgraduate journey.
Bridie was unable to attend the Supervisor of the Year event, as she has left Aotearoa to take up the role of Academic Director of the Rainforest, Reef and Cultural Ecology Programme in North Queensland, Australia. Marine Science Head of Department Miles Lamare received the award on her behalf.
Supervisor of the Year is an annual event run by OUSA and the Graduate Research School to acknowledge and celebrate Ōtākou’s top supervisors.
In addition to the overall award, awards go to divisional winners, as well as two divisional finalists. The GRS Dean’s Medal was also awarded to Professor Ruth Fitzgerald.
Here are a few comments from students who anonymously nominated Bridie:
“Bridie has always had a super positive vibe about her.”
“She is dedicated, compassionate and can be frank when needed.”
“She was the first to visit the baby when I gave birth two weeks before handing in my PhD.”
“Bridie blends expertise with enthusiasm and an approachable personality.”
“Bridie is the best supervisor because she’s so helpful and easily contactable.”
“Even though she is starting a new job across the ditch next year, she is continuing to support the 8+ students in her lab group to complete their research.”
Full list of winners and finalists:
Overall Supervisor of the Year – Dr Bridie Allan, Department of Marine Science
Graduate Research School Dean’s Medal for Contribution to Supervision – Professor Ruth Fitzgerald, Social Anthropology Programme
Division of Sciences
Winner – Dr Bridie Allan, Department of Marine Science
Finalist – Associate Professor Will Rayment, Department of Marine Science
Finalist – Dr Stephanie Godfrey, Department of Zoology
Division of Health Sciences
Winner – Associate Professor Lynette Brownfield, Department of Biochemistry
Finalist – Dr Katharina Robichon, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Wellington
Finalist – Associate Professor Cathy Chapple, School of Physiotherapy
Division of Humanities
Winner – Dr Lynley Edmeades, English and Linguistics programme
Finalist – Professor Anita Gibbs, Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology programme
Finalist – Associate Professor Hunter Hatfield, English and Linguistics programme
Division of Commerce
Winner – Professor Helen Roberts, Department of Accountancy and Finance
Finalist – Associate Professor Julia Albrecht, Department of Tourism
Finalist – Professor Maree Thyne, Department of Marketing
Graduate Research School
Study for a Doctorate or Master's at a university that boasts some of the best completion rates in the world. 83% of all our PhD candidates complete their thesis, and the median submission time for full-time candidates is within three and a half years.
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