Associate Prof Mike Colombo, from the psychology department, was on Thursday night named the Otago University Students Association (OUSA) Supervisor of the Year in recognition of his work with postgraduate students.
In May, he was one of three academics given university 2008 teaching excellence awards. He was a finalist in the OUSA supervisor of the year awards last year.
The OUSA awards have been held annually since 2003. This year, 60 supervisors were nominated by more than 80 students, OUSA education officer Matt Tucker said.
Prof Colombo's knowledge of his specialist area - the neural basis of learning and memory - was mentioned by several students.
But treats might have been the deciding factor.
". . . whenever he goes away on a conference, he brings back treats for everyone in his lab. Also, he sometimes brings in homemade focaccia bread and pizza," one student wrote.
Prof Colombo is overseas and did not attend the awards ceremony held in conjunction with a networking function for Otago graduate research students.
Dr Susan Sandretto, from the College of Education, was named new supervisor of the year.
The finalists were Dr Dan Bendrups (music), Dr Rachel Brown (human nutrition), Dr Lisette Burrows (physical education), Dr Malcolm Cone (management), Prof Stephen Duffull (pharmacy), Dr Tamar Murachver (psychology), Prof Thomas Rades (pharmacy), and Dr Tony Reeder (preventive and social medicine).
