Tribute to Pam Denicolo

We honor our mentor, colleague, and dear friend of almost 30 years, Pamela Maureen Denicolo, Professor Emerita of Professional and Postgraduate Education at the University of Reading, UK, chartered constructivist psychologist, Academy of Social Sciences Fellow, and Honorary Pharmacist, for her outstanding contributions to ISATT, the academic community, theory and praxis.

Pam was born and raised in Scotland. Her academic career started at the Science Department of Farnborough College of Technology where she worked as a Senior Lecturer from 1974 to 1984, teaching A level psychology and science. In 1980 Pam became a doctoral research student at the University of Surrey, Institute of Educational Development, under the supervision of Professor Maureen Pope. This proved to be the start of a long, fruitful work relationship and a lifelong friendship. Pam completed her doctorate in 1985 on ‘The Use of Figurative Language to Explain Abstract Ideas in the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry’ applying constructivist techniques, having already been appointed in 1984 as Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey where she worked until 1995. During her years at Surrey, Pam led academic staff development; managed and contributed to the Postgraduate Certificate in the Education of Adults (PGCEA); developed the Masters in the Practice of Higher Education; led postgraduate courses for Health professionals and Science educators and PhD Supervisor development; developed and managed a Research Methods for Doctoral students' program; and supervised numerous masters and PhD students.