Name: Professor David Blackwood
Title: Head of Division of Natural and Built Environment (now Engineering and Food Sciences)
Length of Service: 35 years
What has been your career path while at Abertay?
I graduated from the Dundee College of Technology in 1980 with a BSc Civil Engineering and went on to gain some industry experience with Scottish Water, becoming fully qualified as a Civil Engineer. I noticed a lectureship had come up at the University in 1985, and it was attractive to me as I knew we were so industry-focused. During my time here, I was supported to do an MSc in Construction followed by a PhD. This allowed me to develop both my teaching and research skills.
How has the University changed over the years?
Abertay has always been aware that industry-focused courses lead to more real jobs, and employability is very important here. Civil Engineering was one of the first degrees that offered work placements and was fully accredited by the Insitution of Civil Engineers since its launch.
Technological advancements have also allowed teaching and learning to become more progressive and our partnership with Dundee and Angus College, which we’re proud of, means that students are ready to face the challenge when they get here.
What has been the biggest improvement?
The fundamental principles of Engineering have remain the same but the tools have dramatically changed. There is less time spent on the basic calculations and modern software has transformed the way that you apply knowledge. The tools that are now available do all of the boring work so that people can really think more. I have had to adapt and learn these new technologies but it means that our students are able to get good grades when they graduate and really are industry ready.
What do you miss?
There’s less face-to-face contact with students as they have more work-related obligations. This has also seen a decline in student attendance.
What are your memories of the campaign, and, eventually, confirmation of University status in 1994?
It was an exciting time here. There was a big push to increase the number of students so that we would qualify as a University and this meant the School of Civil Engineering Surveying and Building grew to become the biggest in the University.
Favourite colleagues?
My colleague Joe Akunna and I have known each other for 25 years and have faced many challenges together in the workplace. I am still in touch with many people who have left the University which is good, I think I have made quite a lot of friends during my time here. You really get to know everyone at the University and everyone is really very friendly.
What is it about Abertay that has made you want to stay all these years?
Change! It has never been boring to work at Abertay, this is what has kept it very interesting over the years. Change creates opportunities which is good. Our Divisional views have never changed though, we want to ensure that there are always work placements available.
I also have great commitment to the discipline and have always had a great team. This role has also allowed me to do research at the same time and lets me go to different places in the world to do this research as well as attend conferences..
Doing both teaching and research is why I am still here, in general it has been very positive, and it is a great place.
Posted on 12th Aug 2019
Last modified by API