L-R: Christie McDermott, Juli Gibbs, Mariusz Klobukowski, Al Meldrum, Gerda de Vries, Declan Ali
It's the most wonderful time of the year. The time we get to celebrate the research and teaching excellence in the Faculty of Science. This year's award recipients speak to the calibre of talent in the University of Alberta's largest undergraduate faculty. Included below is the list of this year's awardees, honoured earlier this month:
Research Award: Juli Gibbs, Associate Professor (chemistry)
In less than a decade at the University of Alberta, Juli has steadily grown a prolific research group.
A former Sloan Research Fellow, the core of her research focus can be characterized as interfaces, specifically the highly unique chemistry, biology, and physics that occur at interfaces, notoriously hard to study at a fundamental level.
It is the breadth of her early career contributions, ranging from highly fundamental studies that have challenged long-standing models of surface chemistry, to the practical development of self-replicating systems that may mimic the origin of life, which clearly distinguishes Juli from her peers.
Graduate Mentoring Award: Gerda de Vries, Professor (mathematical and statistical sciences)
Letters from her current and former students speak of a supervisor who takes a deep personal interest in the success of her students, and not only where academics are concerned.
Gerda's style of mentorship provides a role model her students can aspire to emulate. Her students are benefitting tremendously from her mentorship and move on to successful careers, including several who have continued on to become faculty members themselves.
One of her former students commented, "Gerda is a wonderful scientist, teacher, mentor, and friend. After her students finish their degrees, Gerda's role as a mentor is not over. She still actively encourages me to try new things that will help to advance my career as a scientist, and for that, I am very grateful."
Graduate Mentoring Award: Al Meldrum, Professor (physics)
Al's record of mentorship, both from the research and teaching perspective extends far beyond his own research group. He has trained help graduate students from at least five departments and three faculties through his development of the electron microscopy lab as a user facility in which he has trained more than 50 students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members over the past 15 years.
Students appreciate his openness and accessibility, and he is praised for being available to listen and help, as evidenced in the following comment:
"When I arrived in Al's lab, the first thing that stood out for me was how committed Al is to supporting his students in their research endeavours while still allowing them to remain autonomous. As I gained experience and confidence, Al scaled back his involvement accordingly so that his level of support always matched what I needed. His balance of support and encouragement has done wonders for my ability to carry out research projects competently and independently."
Service Award: Christie McDermott, Assistant Chair, Student Services (chemistry)
Christie provides exemplary service in the responsibilities defining her position in chemistry, including student program development, student internship program leadership, academic support, and teaching, for which she has been recognized with multiple awards.
However, perhaps what distinguishes Christie even further is her willingness to take on additional service that extends well beyond her job description but how deeply committed she remains to her everyday role even during this extra effort.
As an example, when Julie Naylor, Assistant Dean (Programs and Operations) took a leave of absence in 2015, it was Christie who stepped in part-time to fill that role in addition to her regular duties. Julie comments of her choice to have Christie cover her absence, "Christie was not only at the top of the list, she was the only name on the list."
Excellent Teaching Award: Mariusz Klobukowski, Professor (chemistry)
With a distinguished history of teaching excellence, Mariusz is a beloved teacher who has received numerous student-nominated awards. His teaching style reaches all students, from first-year intro to chemistry to seasoned senior undergraduates and grad students.
Rik Tykwynski, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, comments, "Mariusz's connection with students is firmly rooted in his profound empathy for human beings, and this strength, which forms the backbone of his teaching, shines through in letters from both students and colleagues, reflecting respect, empathy, humour, and enthusiasm."
One such student comment notes, "He is one of few professors I have had who regards assessment as a means and learning as the end and not the other way around."
Innovation in Teaching Award: Declan Ali, Professor (biological sciences)
In the words of Michael Caldwell, Chair, and Jocelyn Hall, Associate Chair (Undergraduate), "Declan is one of our department's strongest, most effective and engaging teachers."
Declan's excellence in teaching has been recognized previously with many awards and accolades. His teaching philosophy focuses on engaging and challenging students through various strategies, all the while treating everyone with respect and fairness wherein he provides the class a sense of experience rather than passive learning.
One of his students comments, "What makes Dr. Ali stand out as a professor is his genuine desire for his students to succeed both academically in his given course and beyond. He has an innate desire to spark passion in his students."