L-R: Jeffrey Kavanaugh, Andrew Derocher, Hayley Wan, Nelson Amaral, Anthony Singhal, Mariusz Klobukowski, Frank Marsiglio (accepted award on behalf of Craig Heinke)
Dean Jonathan Schaeffer welcomed faculty, staff, and students to the 2015 Celebration of Excellence in Teaching and Research this May. Seven awards were distributed to recognize the innovative research and student support coming out of the Faculty of Science, where we engage our students to understand the past and shape the future. "The caliber of this year's award recipients speaks to the incredible breadth and depth of talent we have here in the Faculty of Science," says Dean Schaeffer, who noted it was a challenge to select just one winner per category. "They are first among equals."
Research Award: Craig Heinke (Physics)
Focused on observations of the densest-known astrophysical objects in astronomy, Craig is internationally renowned for his careful data analysis from many major telescope facilities. He has published more than 65 papers since he started at the U of A in July 2008-30 in the last two years-and is known for original ideas for approaching scientific problems in astronomy leading to major breakthroughs in the field. Notes Physics Chair Mauricio Sacchi, "Craig has established himself as a world leader in his research field while simultaneously performing as a superb teacher in the classroom."
Graduate Mentoring Award: Andrew Derocher (Biological Sciences)
This award recognizes faculty members who are extraordinary in mentoring the next generation of young scientists, professionals, and scholars.
An internationally renowned expert on polar bear ecology, Andrew's former students represent an impressive list including an Assistant Professor at U of T, research scientists with Environment Canada, Parks Canada, and the Nunavut Water Board, a Curator at the Royal Alberta Museum, an executive director of a fisheries NGO, an independent environmental consultant, and biologists for the BC Ministry of the Environment, Yukon Government, Polar Bear International and the Fauna Foundation. He supports student career advancement through educational and professional development opportunities outside the lab, in the field, and abroad.
Graduate Mentoring Award: Marius Klobukowski (Chemistry)
Proving that the waters in our talent pool run extremely deep, this year we awarded a second graduate mentoring award.
An unparalleled computational chemist, Klobukowski is noted for challenging his students to think critically to conduct more insightful research. He works hard to understand each student's unique attributes and potential, supporting both successes and failures and becoming a mentor for life. Marius is credited for his awareness of the additional challenges faced by female graduate students and academic in chemistry and his staunch support of WISEST and equal opportunities for students.
Award for Excellent Teaching: Nelson Amaral (Computing Science)
A multidimensional teacher who instructs a variety courses, Nelson also mentors colleagues and sessional instructors. He has volunteered as an advisor for Science Without Borders visiting students from Brazil, increasingly important in the expansion of international recruitment. His track record of teaching excellence is unmatched in the department. He is as interested in pedagogy as he is in computing science and is equally impressive beyond the classroom walls preparing his students for future success.
Innovation in Teaching Award: Jeffrey Kavanaugh (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)
Focused on students' hands-on involvement and experience with lab exercises that mimic remote field installations, Jeff has helped provide a rigorous, instructive, and meaningful lab experience in a core courses. Students construct research-grade weather stations that monitor a range of standard meteorological parameters, an exercise which has directly contributed to several students' placement in summer research programs and in technical positions with industry.
Service Award: Hayley Wan (Chemistry)
Director of the Organic Chemistry Laboratories, Hayley has an impact on the educational experience of more than 1500 students each year. She makes important contributions to the conception and development of innovative laboratories to develop critical skills and connect students to real world examples, enhancing student learning and comfort and increasing lab safety. She also provided excellent training for the TAs and has become the face of lab safety, a seemingly thankless yet critically important task.
Kathleen W. Klawe Prize for Excellence in Teaching of Large Classes: Anthony Singhal (Psychology)
Enthusiastically embracing diverse methods of engaging students in large classes, Anthony recently experimented with instigating open discussions on hot topics that engage the whole class for an entire period, a process which requires exceptional communication skills and meticulous planning. Whether in classes from under 30 to nearly 200 students, his student ratings are consistently high, receiving comments such as "engaging, intelligent, and compassionate prof" and "one of the best profs I've had at this university."