Chairs
Gurvinder
Virk has been appointed to a chair of robotics and
control in the school of mechanical engineering from
April 2002. Professor Virk, who comes to Leeds from
the University of Portsmouth, carries out research
into mobile robotics, particularly machines able to
walk and climb, building energy management systems,
mechatronics, intelligent control and control applications.
Andrew
Booth has been appointed to a chair of online learning
in the faculty of biological sciences, from May 2002.
Formerly a senior lecturer and director of learning
systems development within the faculty, Professor
Booth is interested in how students can be supported
and tutored in online environments.
Former
reader Stephen French has taken up a chair of philosophy
of science in the school of philosophy, from May 2002.
Professor French's research interests include the
history and philosophy of 20th century physics and
the philosophy of science in general.
Deborah
Murdoch-Eaton has been appointed to a chair of medical
education in the school of medicine. Professor Murdoch-Eaton
was a senior lecturer and acting director of the medical
education unit of the school, and her research interests
include paediatric neuro-rehabilitation.
Mick
Wallis will join the school of performance and cultural
industries as chair of performance and culture from
August 2002. Presently reader in performance studies
at Loughborough University, his research interests
include drama in rural adult education, theatre pedagogy
and sexuality and sexual politics in theatre. Mick
Wallis also holds an ILT national teaching fellowship.
Richard
Boon – currently senior lecturer and deputy
director of the Workshop Theatre – will
take up a chair of perfomance in the school of performance
and cultural industries on the Bretton Hall campus,
from August 2002. Dr Boon's research interests lie
in the theoretical and practical investigation of
political theatre, 'playwrighting', multicultural
theatre and the uses of theatre as a tool for education
and empowerment.
