The Most Popular Teachers of the Joint School: Professor Martin Levesley
| Personal information: Martin Levesley, Professor of Dynamics and Control at the University of Leeds and a cherished faculty member of the SWJTU-Leeds Joint School, has been named the 2025 Favorite Teacher in Mechanical Engineering, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to student growth and innovative pedagogy. |
Teaching at the Joint School
Since the first cohort of the Mechanical Engineering programme, Professor Levesley has taught Vibration and Control, a foundational module that equips students with analytical tools for mechanical systems. His lectures emphasize core principles such as modal analysis and feedback control, illustrated through industry-relevant examples from his research in aero-engine vibration control and robotics. To enhance comprehension, he incorporates case studies from collaborations with institutions like Rolls-Royce, demonstrating how theoretical models address real-world engineering challenges.
Thoughtful Pedagogy and Student Engagement
Professor Levesley’s teaching is defined by meticulous design and active learning. His assessments and laboratory sessions are structured to foster critical thinking, guiding students to apply concepts to simulate mechanical scenarios, such as analyzing vibration patterns in automotive suspensions. He prioritizes clarity and accessibility, ensuring complex topics are broken down into digestible components, the students said that ‘His ability to simplify advanced theories makes the subject approachable and engaging’.
Beyond coursework, Professor Levesley demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility toward Joint School students. He regularly seeks feedback to refine his teaching methods and actively supports students in connecting classroom knowledge to career aspirations, whether through discussions on research opportunities or industry pathways.
Professional Leadership and Recognition
At Leeds, Professor Levesley serves as Pro Dean for Student Engineering, where he champions curriculum innovation and student support initiatives. His leadership in developing ReLOAD (Real Laboratories Operated at a Distance), a remote-access lab system, reflects his commitment to enhancing educational accessibility.
In 2009, he was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship. At the Joint School, his dedication has fostered a culture of academic excellence, with students valuing his professionalism and ability to inspire curiosity in mechanical systems.
Professor Levesley reflects: Teaching at the Joint School is a privilege. Witnessing students evolve from theory learners to problem solvers, and fostering connections between Leeds and Chengdu, reminds me why innovation thrives at the intersection of cultures and classrooms.” |
Editor：TSO
Reviewer：Jiuwen JIANG, Tao HUANG, Yujia LU
