Rate My Professor Nicole Power

Nicole Power serves as Senior Teaching Fellow and BIOC 192 Coordinator in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Otago, part of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences within the Health Sciences Division. She delivers biochemistry instruction in the Health Sciences First Year programme and the undergraduate Biochemistry major. In recognition of her inclusive, student-centred excellence in large-class biochemistry teaching, Power was awarded the University of Otago Teaching Excellence Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her approach combines clarity, care, and evidence-based design to foster student belonging, engagement, and achievement. Many first-year students arrive feeling intimidated by biochemistry, so a significant aspect of her role involves helping them build confidence and develop effective learning strategies. She values creating environments where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and progressively building understanding. Seeing students gain confidence and enjoy the subject is particularly rewarding for her.

Power's teaching philosophy centres on clarity, structure, and inclusion, making expectations and thinking processes explicit to ensure success is not limited by prior knowledge or unfamiliarity with university systems. As a neurodivergent academic, she consciously designs learning environments that minimize unnecessary barriers and accommodate diverse thinking and learning styles. Practices beneficial for neurodiverse learners, such as clear structure, predictable communication, and scaffolded resources, support the entire class. She is increasingly focused on university support for neurodivergent learners and students from varied educational backgrounds, noting that small course design changes significantly impact confidence, wellbeing, and success. Power's research explores the importance of neuroinclusive practices at Otago. She initiated the Different Minds, Shared Support Expo during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, connecting students with services including the Library, Te Pou Whirinaki, the Locals programme, Disability Information and Support, and senior students to enhance awareness and inclusion. Additionally, she co-led the Hands-On at Otago programme for Year 12 and 13 high school students, guiding participants through experiments on DNA, proteins, small molecules, plant genetic engineering, and human health studies. Receiving the teaching award is an honour, but she emphasizes that teaching is a collaborative effort with committed colleagues.