Dr Aru Narayanasamy

National Teaching Fellow 2008 Dr Aru Narayanasamy is an Associate Professor in the University of Nottingham's School of Nursing and is renowned for his passion for the subject. Indeed, feedback from his students for his approach to teaching on ethnic diversity and spirituality epitomises his excellence in teaching. One student commented: "This lecturer's obvious passion for his subject inspired enthusiasm and a desire to learn more about the subject". Aru is well respected by his students and peers, locally, nationally and internationally for not only for his passion for these themes but the outstanding contribution to nurse education as author of books and academic papers impacting nurse education and holistic health care. He has also published a range of highly influential learning and teaching models, frameworks and resources which guide and support teachers, nationally and internationally, through the complex and sometimes difficult subject themes of ethnic diversity and spirituality in nursing studies. Following an earlier career in teaching overseas, Aru qualified as a Registered General Nurse in the UK, gaining considerable experience in a variety of subsequent nursing roles within the National Health Service. He then began his academic career in higher education in 1995. Energised by new teaching challenges, and fuelled by his passion for the subject, Aru established the previously underutilised and unpopular ethnic diversity and spirituality theme in nursing and health care and his approach to teaching is regarded as an exemplar of good practice by the University. Aru makes extensive use of internationally-recognised research to inform both the content and process and style of his teaching. A major influencer in the teaching of the subject at both a local and wider level, Aru is successful in arousing his students' curiosity about ethnic diversity and spirituality and encourages them to apply their learning to nursing practice.