DC education officer Dr Antony Morton is a familiar face to all ASDC students. Here he talks about his pivotal role, and what drives him professionally.
Dr Antony Morton is principal tutor to the ASDC programme, and is therefore with candidates every step of the way on their journey to graduation.
With a technical background relevant to all six modules of the Society’s ASDC degree-equivalent qualification – and academic credentials in colour and polymer chemistry – he turned his focus to teaching following three decades of research and development in the the global paper industry.
Antony’s breadth and depth of knowledge is such that he is ably equipped to guide students through each stage of the three-year course.
Seeing learners gain confidence, grow professionally and head towards Chartered Colourist status offers Antony a lot of job satisfaction.
He says: “Dyeing and coloration is a competitive industry and up-and-coming operatives, and their employers, must work together to do all they can to develop those talents. I love to help young people along professionally and help them do better, bit by bit.
“Some of our students left school at 16 and went straight to work in dyehouses, whereas others took a more academic route through A-levels. Whatever their journey it’s great to see them take this next stage and study for ASDC.”
Antony continues: “The ASDC qualification is recognised all over the world and deservedly so. You really can go anywhere with it.”
Antony’s own academic credentials include a 1st class honours degree in colour chemistry and a PhD in physical and polymer chemistry, both from the University of Leeds. He also has post-doctoral research experience and a postgraduate certificate in paper making from Robert Gordon University.
Before joining the SDC two years ago, Antony was a research and development manager leading a team of project engineers focused on product and process innovation, in liaison with top global customers at a large, technical manufacturing company, having worked his way up through technical application and service engineer, then manager roles.
Antony explains: “Over the years I’ve built skills in colour chemistry, paper chemistry and polymer processing and I have a thorough understanding of the manufacturing supply chain, so I’m ideally placed to help students build their skills.
“And as someone who has always learned through academic work and practical hands-on experience in combination, I’m really passionate about innovation and coming up with solutions to customers’ challenges. Therefore, I’m able to stress the benefits of this dual approach from personal experience.”
Antony has developed and modernised each module of our well-established courses, strengthening elements that address the everyday application of theory. Small cohort numbers mean he can give one-to-one support to students who might need extra help mastering a particular concept.
Alongside teaching, Antony also presides over online exams, conducted under strict conditions, so he is with our ASDC students every step of the way.
08/07/2021