Dr Gary Lock

National Teaching Fellow 2011 Gary Lock joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath as a Lecturer in 1995 and he is currently a Reader. Prior to moving to Bath he taught at the University of Oxford where he was a Fellow of Oriel College. He has published approximately 60 journal papers and has given a series of lectures at international universities on experimental fluid mechanics. Gary has created an innovative design activity for undergraduates at Rolls-Royce which provides his students with an excellent opportunity to apply engineering science and demonstrate their ability for engineering design work in an industrial environment. The activity also provides the students with a vital understanding of commercial and business aspects of industry, exposing them to the benefits of team work or co-operative effort and an opportunity to understand project management. Initially highly experimental, twelve years later this activity is now well established and accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Tangible impact is demonstrated in that nearly 75% of the students are offered graduate-career jobs at Rolls-Royce. Gary is also involved in a broader programme which explores the policy and practice of undergraduate work placements in industry. This study investigates the attitudes that influence students' decisions on whether or not to undertake a year in industry. The research assesses the placement experience in terms of academic achievement, transferable skills and future employment aspirations, and identifies appropriate strategies to encourage and support all students in the wider learning experience. The research also identifies the barriers which prevent students benefiting from industrial placements and has had impact with the faculty team which encourage and formulate individual student placements with industry. In 2005 Gary gained a National Teaching Award from the Engineering Subject Centre and in 2007 he was awarded the Exxon-Mobile Prize for Excellence in Teaching from the Royal Academy of Engineering.