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Technicians

Our work to support psychology technicians and experimental officers

Technicians and demonstrators are crucial to successful psychology teaching and learning. The Psychology Network supports this work in several ways, including:

Technician award 2010

Each year the Psychology Network, in association with The Association of Technical Staff in Psychology (ATSiP), runs an award to recognise the excellent work done by psychology technicians and demonstrators to support psychology teaching and learning.

We are very pleased to announce that the winner of the 2010 award is Natalie Airs, the resident psychology technician at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, London.

Natalie is responsible for the smooth running and development of the psychology laboratory and all associated areas. This involves investigating the suitable purchase of new equipment, tools and software, monitoring purchase, installation and use of this equipment, supporting and training students and staff on the use of the equipment to support their teaching and learning, and ensuring that the equipment is in full working order. Natalie also supports students in the design of their studies, in their selection of appropriate tools and equipment, in their data collection, and in the analysis and interpretation of their data. Finally, Natalie also marks and gives feedback on students' reports.

As part of her work Natalie has produced simple guides for all the equipment, and has translated 'techie jargon' into student-friendly instructions. In addition, Natalie translates students' research needs into language that specialists can use to provide a speedy resolution to students' requirements.

Wendy Smith. psychology programme director at at St Mary's University College,  says: "Natalie exemplifies the technician of the future: not a specialist with a single area of expertise, but someone with a thorough grasp of the role and the necessary social skills to provide support for every aspect of teaching and research. She is very good at seeking solutions to problems, and in exploring all possible options to reach a goal. She provides an interface among academic staff, support staff, specialist staff and very importantly, the students."

Natalie receives £150 and wil be be presented with her award at PLAT2010.

We would like to congratulate Natalie on her award, and to thank everyone who was involved with this year's award.

Previous award winners

• Award winners 2009
• Award winner 2008

Psychology Practicals

We also have a website dedicated to psychology practicals that provides access to materials and resources to support student practical work and the teaching of research methods within psychology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Visit psychologypracticals.com