Every year, our faculty members and students are invited to nominate outstanding instructors for the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Awards. Read more about recipients of prestigious teaching awards and honors.
- Excellence in Educational Leadership Awards: This award celebrates Science faculty (any full-time or contract faculty) who exemplify exceptional educational leadership/mentorship beyond the classroom.
- Excellence in Teaching Awards: Awarded to faculty members who have exemplified exceptional teaching skills and an unwavering commitment to student success.
- Graduate Faculty Teaching Award: Awarded to any graduate student or senior undergraduate working as a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Science (e.g., lab demonstrator, marker/grader, tutorial leader, Teaching Assistant coordinator), including students from other Faculties.
- Excellence in Educational Leadership Award at the Graduate Level: Awarded to any graduate student who has demonstrated leadership or contributions to Teaching and Learning outside of the classroom.
- President’s University Wide Teaching Awards: Recognizes the accomplishments of York's great instructors. Learn more about the awards.
Excellence in Educational Leadership Awards
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award – Faculty category
Elaina Hyde, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Professor Elaina Hyde, Director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory (AICO), is a cornerstone of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and a deeply engaged member of the York University community. Always striving to enhance students’ learning experiences, she has demonstrated outstanding educational leadership through her role as Director of the AICO.
Located on York University’s Keele Campus, the AICO houses the largest university-campus telescope in Canada. Each year, it brings together students, faculty members, and thousands of members of the public. Hyde leads a dedicated team of students and volunteers who make these activities possible. Under her leadership, the observatory has become an integral part of York’s educational mission, with courses developed in collaboration with the AICO to provide students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities.
Through the Astronomy Club, which is run by York students from diverse backgrounds, the AICO hosts numerous social and educational events that attract not only students but also members of the broader community well beyond the physics and astronomy disciplines. Hyde also spearheads major outreach initiatives, such as York University’s Open Air Astro Fair, which promotes family-friendly engagement with astronomy and astrophysics.
In addition to expanding the observatory’s in-person programming, Hyde successfully developed an extensive online presence following the pandemic. This includes remote access to the telescope, educational podcasts, and YouTube programs that have significantly broadened the reach of the observatory. Her commitment to making astronomy accessible through a wide variety of formats has had a remarkable impact on audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Elaina’s dedication to education, outreach, and community engagement is truly exemplary. York University is extraordinarily fortunate to have her among its faculty and leadership. Congratulations, Elaina, on this well-deserved award!
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award – Faculty category
Tamara Kelly, Department of Biology
Professor Tamara Kelly is a charismatic, thoughtful, and committed professor. As the inaugural Pedagogical Innovation Chair in the Faculty of Science, Dr. Kelly has driven inclusive teaching practices and systemic change across York Science. She leads York’s division of the Canadian Consortium of Science Equity Scholars (CCSES), championing equity-focused teaching initiatives nationwide.
Dr. Kelly’s leadership includes developing the Faculty of Science Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) course outline template and spearheading a multi-person Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) project to remove barriers in lab environments. She also reshaped first-year biology to center equity and organized the 2023 Faculty of Science Conversations on Science Education Symposium, fostering dialogue on inclusive education.
Beyond York, Professor Kelly contributes to the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Education, influencing science education across the province. Known for her mentorship and unwavering support of colleagues, she fosters a spirit of collaboration and empowerment. Professor Kelly does all this work while being a model citizen who is collaborative, caring, and supportive.
Professor Kelly doesn’t just advocate for change—she creates it—leading the way to a more inclusive and equitable future in science education.” – Colleague
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award – Graduate category
Milong Wang, Department of Science, Technology & Society
Milong Wang was a teaching assistant (TA) in the Division of Natural Science (NATS) during 2021 – 2023. Milong was first assigned to NATS 1690 – Evolution while on the pandemic and returned to the course the following year. As a returning and experienced TA, Milong became a mentor to other TAs new to the course. Milong was genuinely interested in fostering a supportive learning environment in the lab; she marked student assignments promptly and provided feedback from the previous week at the beginning of the lab sessions. Colleagues describe Milong as a TA that “surpassed the expectations” with “strong skills in time management, organization, resourcefulness, and attention to detail”.
In addition to being a mentor to colleagues and students, Milong worked closely with Faculty to deliver outstanding teaching and learning experiences. Milong was instrumental during the implementation of NATS 1665 – Plants in the City, working closely with Faculty to make the first field course designed for a general-education audience a big success. Milong intends to pursue a career in Education; she indeed possesses the characteristics of an assertive, committed, and passionate educator.
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award – Faculty category
Amenda Chow, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Professor Amenda Chow has demonstrated excellence in many of the criteria for the Educational Leadership Awards. In particular, her commitment to experiential learning in math led her to develop the Experimental Math Space (EMS) through a York Academic Innovation Fund grant. The EMS is an exciting and productive resource for math experiments and exploration at York, and has led to a number of lesson plans, invited talks, presentations, and outreach activities. Consequently, Professor Chow has redesigned various applied mathematics courses with the goal of making mathematics more engaging for students to learn, and often in collaboration with other groups like the Lassonde School for Engineering, the educational company Quanser and other institutions like the University of Waterloo and University of British Columbia. Finally, Professor Chow is recognized for her longstanding commitment to mentorship, and equity, diversity and inclusions principles, which has supported women, disadvantaged groups, graduate students and junior instructors in STEM.
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award – Faculty category
Vera Pavri, Department of Science, Technology & Society
In 2019, Professor Vera Pavri took on the role of Chair of the newly renamed Department of Science, Technology and Society (STS) and led major program reforms. In cooperation with the STS Program Working Group and numerous administrative units, Professor Pavri led the effort to draft and approve extensive program reforms for the STS major and minor, to redefine the role of STS in the Faculty of Science, and to create a new departmental website, among other significant accomplishments. The STS undergraduate programs were officially and successfully re-launched in fall 2023. Along the way, Professor Pavri developed or co-developed two new courses focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and a series of University Experience modules for first-year students. She has also co-chaired the Faculty of Science EDI Committee for the last three years. Professor Pavri accomplished all of this alongside her duties as Chair of STS while York University weathered a pandemic.
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award – Graduate category
Laura Keane, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Laura is no stranger to recognition for her excellence in teaching and academics; however, she has also demonstrated leadership in education through her activities with the Association for Women in Mathematics, her participation in the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee, and her continuous efforts to improve teaching and learning at the undergraduate and graduate levels in mathematics and statistics. Laura’s activities consistently support inclusion, particularly for women in STEM, often through public education and outreach via Soapbox Science, the SHAD York program, Math Kangaroo, and more. Laura’s achievements in educational leadership are broad, deep, and diverse.
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award - Graduate category
Yohana Solomon, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Yohana creates opportunities and communities for others. From organizing SummerUp for black high school students to founding the Math in Black community to starting the Association for Women in Mathematics Student Chapter at York University, Yohana doesn’t just participate in educational leadership opportunities – she creates them. Yohana clearly exhibits consistent, concrete leadership by creating initiatives that directly support equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM, particularly for women, black, and other underserved students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Through her work at the Teaching Commons, Bethune College, and her many co-curricular activities, Yohana has developed learning and training opportunities in math and education, and promoted success for others through mentorship, community building, and STEM education. Yohana’s efforts benefit students not only in her department, but also across the Faculty, the University and beyond.
Excellence in Teaching Awards
Excellence in Teaching Award – Junior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Allysa Lumley, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Professor Allysa Lumley joined the Department of Mathematics in 2022, as teaching Faculty, a few years after completing her PhD studies also at York University. Professor Lumley believes that “Mathematics is best learned through communication—both verbal and written — and is enriched by social interaction and creative self-expression.” Creative self-expression is indeed at the core of Professor Lumley’s teaching philosophy and students in first year and upper-year courses are encouraged to actively connect to their courses in this way, e.g. through creative projects in first year and journaling in advanced courses.
Students describe Professor Lumley as passionate and caring and have enjoyed her role not as only Professor but also as mentor. Colleagues describe her impact to the teaching ecosystem of the Department of Mathematics as a “strategic and visionary overhaul”.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Senior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Paul Skoufranis, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Professor Paul Skoufranis joined the Department of Mathematics in 2016. During this time at York, he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to student success by leading curricular reform initiatives, fostering adaptable learning environments, preparing highly organized course content, and continually engaging in active teaching and learning reflection. Professor Skoufranis is also an excellent educator outside of the traditional classroom spearheading initiatives such as the Annual Bernoulli Competition in which students come together to challenge their first-year Mathematics knowledge.
Colleagues describe Professor Skoufranis as an "exceptionally able, dedicated and effective teacher who is beloved by students, while holding them to very highest standard". Students continually praise Professor Skoufranis for his excellence in student mentorship, adaptability, and inclusivity.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Senior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Robin Metcalfe, Department of Science, Technology & Society
Professor Robin Metcalfe has been a member of York University's Faculty of Science since 2004 and is currently Associate Dean, Students. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student success through innovative curriculum development, engaging and inclusive teaching, and exceptional academic leadership. As Director of the Division of Natural Science, co-lead of the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4), and now Associate Dean (Students), Professor Metcalfe has championed experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and curricular innovation while creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect science with real-world challenges.
Professor Metcalfe is innovative, collaborative, and an inspiring educator whose leadership has transformed teaching and learning across the Faculty of Science. Professor Metcalfe is consistently praised for her enthusiasm, accessibility, and ability to make complex scientific concepts engaging and approachable. Whether sharing the latest space mission, celebrating an astronomical event, or simply bringing a touch of fun to the classroom, Professor Metcalfe creates welcoming learning environments that build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for science.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Contract Faculty category
Shohreh Rahmati, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Dr. Rahmati has been a Course Director at York University since 2021. Dr. Rahmati has become an asset to the Department of Mathematics and Statistics by taking on important teaching assignments while creating caring and inclusive teaching environments. Dr. Rahmati's teaching is centered around the implementation of various techniques grounded in learning models that efficiently support student learning. Dr. Rahmati's interest and knowledge in the science and practice of teaching and learning is well recognized by students and peers. Students characterize Dr. Rahmati as attentive, encouraging, fair, and professional. Professor Rahmati "values student success and is an exceptional educator".
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Aysa Tajeri, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Aysa Tajeri demonstrated exceptional teaching excellence as a Teaching Assistant for Mathematics 2200: Introduction to Proofs and Mathematical Reasoning at York University. In a course that represents a critical transition for undergraduate students, she created a learning environment that was rigorous, inclusive, and highly engaging. Through her innovative teaching approach, students gained a deeper understanding of mathematical reasoning and developed a strong sense of ownership over their learning.
Aysa also excelled in the administrative and assessment components of the course. She provided timely, detailed, and constructive feedback that went well beyond identifying mistakes, helping students improve their exposition, logical rigor, and mathematical communication. Many students specifically cited her feedback as a key factor in their academic growth.
Her combination of instructional excellence, dedication to student success, and commitment to continuous improvement made a transformative contribution to the course and exemplifies the highest standards of graduate-level teaching.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Yeuhyun Kim, Department of Chemistry
Yeuhyun Kim is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry looking to pursue a career as a teaching Professor. Yeuhyun believes that “effective teaching balances rigorous learning with empathy and adapts to students’ diverse backgrounds”. Yeuhyun creates teaching experiences that develop a real scientific mindset in students. Students describe Yeuhyun as patient, approachable, dedicated to student learning and was consistently praised by students for providing fair and detailed feedback on assessments.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Junior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Jade Atallah, Department of Biology
Professor Jade Atallah joined the Department of Biology in 2021 with the mission to help establish the new biotechnology programs at the Markham Campus. She has accomplished the latter while also teaching a variety of Biology courses, including BIOL 1000 and BIOL 1001. Professor Atallah came to York University with an already extensive and diverse teaching experience. Professor Atallah has positioned herself as an outstanding instructor characterized by an effective and evidence-based teaching style that enables students to develop critical thinking and science literacy. Her teaching evaluations are consistently excellent, and colleagues are eager to seek her mentorship to improve and elevate their teaching practices.
A student described Professor Atallah as exhibiting a “unique combination of intelligence and empathy”. Professor Atallah’s colleagues could not agree more, she is an extremely brilliant educator, a sharp thinker, and above all, an understanding and caring professional.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Junior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Robin Marushia, Department of Science, Technology & Society
Professor Marushia is a kind, empathetic and engaging Professor. She joined the Division of Natural Science (NATS) in 2019. Since then, she has been engaged in actively redeveloping and developing NATS courses that are highly regarded by students. Professor Marushia has also served on various committees. She served as the Chair of the Faculty’s Committee on Teaching and Learning (CoTL) until August of 2023. During that time, she led efforts to improve the committee’s policies.
Professor Marushia is described by her students as “attentive and receptive to the different perspectives of students” while encouraging students to “respect and support each other”; Professor Marushia “makes learning a pleasure”. Colleagues are very fond of Professor Marushia and admire her “outstanding ability to reach students in multiple formats”.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Senior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Hovig Kouyoumdjian, Department of Chemistry
Professor Hovig Kouyoumdjian is a creative and charismatic professor. Professor Kouyoumdjian’s teaching evaluations are consistently excellent, and students often characterize him as genuinely interested in their success. Professor Kouyoumdjian has made notable teaching contributions to the Department of Chemistry such as championing the use of iClicker and Crowdmark, chemistry simulations, and in-class demonstrations. He is recognized by Chemistry colleagues as a “driving force behind innovative educational practices”. At the Faculty level, he introduced the Faculty of Science Teaching & Learning (T&L) Bulletin and initiated the first Faculty of Science Micro-credential programs.
Beyond his teaching duties, Professor Kouyoumdjian is actively engaged in leadership roles inside and outside York University. Recently, he led major initiatives within the Faculty of Science as Associate Dean of Curriculum and Pedagogy. In this capacity, he guided efforts to successfully deploy the First-Year Science program and the graduate Biotechnology programs at the new Markham Campus.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Senior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Nicole Nivillac, Department of Biology
Professor Nicole Nivillac has been consistently recognized for her excellence in teaching. Professor Nivillac received the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award in the Junior, Tenure Stream category, in 2020. Professor Nivillac remains strongly committed to providing an engaging and inquisitive learning environment for students at York University. She uses evidence-based teaching techniques and delivers educational activities that foster critical thinking and knowledge application, moving away from just memorization of concepts in Biology. Students describe her teaching approach as “transformative” and “innovative” with a “commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue”.
Professor Nivillac is described by colleagues as “a collaborative and generous colleague who works to enhance teaching and learning within the Faculty of Science”; “she does not hesitate to offer her knowledge, expertise and time” to others. In addition to being an excellent educator, Professor Nivillac takes on active leadership roles within the Faculty of Science and within the Canadian community of Biology Professors.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Contract Faculty category
Angela Cope, Department of Science, Technology & Society
Dr. Angela Cope is a York University Ph.D. graduate. Dr. Cope currently teaches various NATS (Division of Natural Science) and STS (Science Technology and Society) courses. Dr. Cope is a candid educator who caters to various learning styles and educational backgrounds. She is described as an inspirational educator who delivers engaging teaching and learning experiences. Dr. Cope actively incorporates Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) principles while teaching. She is recognized by colleagues in the Faculty of Science as an excellent educator who has been instrumental in the transformation of the NATS curriculum.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Britney Picinic, Department of Biology
Britney Picinic is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biology. Britney has been teaching in the Department of Biology since 2019. Britney is recognized by her peers and supervisors as “sympathetic, understanding, approachable and generous”. These qualities, in addition to her ability to communicate effectively, have positioned Briteny as a leader among fellow teaching assistants taking on the roles of lab coordinator and course director for BIOL 2030 – Animals during the summer of 2024. Britney’s teaching evaluations are consistently positive. Britney is described by her students as a truly professional teaching assistant exhibiting “exceptional teaching skills” and an “evident passion for Biology”.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Emily Anacleto, Department of Chemistry
Emily Anacleto is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry. Emily has been teaching in the Department of Chemistry since 2021. Emily is recognized by Professors in the Department of Chemistry as having “exceptional teaching skills” and being committed to continuous learning. Emily informs her teaching with her personal lived experiences to foster an environment in which all students are provided with equitable opportunities to learn and thrive. Emily believes that empathy and understanding are essential qualities of effective teachers. Emily is described by students as “the most enthusiastic TA”; she creates truly “welcoming and inclusive” teaching and learning environments for her students.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Junior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Stephanie Domenikos, Department of Science, Technology & Society
Professor Stephanie Domenikos has been consistently recognized by Natural Sciences (NATS) students as one of the best professors of their university experience. Her courses are described as being challenging but exciting, having a vibrant classroom environment, being highly organized yet welcoming, and offering an elevated learning experience. Students feel that Professor Domenikos is invested in their success, and that they are able to thrive in and enjoy her learning environment. Professor Domenikos received the 2023 Student Accessibility Services Excellence Award because of her demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and student support. She also co-developed the University Experience first-year modules, and since 2019, she has successfully led the NATS-Aid Peer Tutoring program.
Excellence in Teaching Award – Contract Faculty category
Charlotte de Araujo, Department of Biology
Professor Charlotte de Araujo joined York University and has since made a positive impact on both students and colleagues, who describe her as a passionate, engaging, and skilled educator. Students repeatedly comment on her ability to create safe learning spaces conducive to open discussion. As one student said, “her classroom is transformed into a microcosm of positive change, empowering us to extend the conversation with friends, families and communities.” Professor de Araujo’s emphasis on information literacy led another student to say that “her lessons on evaluating sources left an important impact on my academic career … and equipped us with the essential skill of navigating an information-rich world.” In addition to notable contributions to the Department of Biology’s Teaching Committee and collaborations in the department, her work in advocating for Open Educational Resources (OER) has led York University to join the OER Rangers Network in Ontario.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Amanvir Virdi, Department of Biology
Amanvir Virdi was a Teaching Assistant in 2020-2021 and met the challenges of the pandemic with dedication and initiative. When labs were held remotely, Amanvir found creative ways to engage students on Zoom and created Teams platforms for students that fostered an active, engaged student community; her strategy was quickly implemented by other lab sections. When in-person labs returned, Amanvir provided resources and feedback to support students in lab protocols and reports. Amanvir’s friendly, active approach to her labs helped students engage, learn and grow as scientists. As one student said, “although the course was running during a pandemic, lab with Amanvir felt normal again … she was knowledgeable and organized, kind and approachable, and she helped students in more ways than she probably realizes.”
Excellence in Teaching Award – Junior Tenure Stream Faculty category
Christopher Jang, Department of Biology
Professor Christopher Jang was presented with a substantial assignment upon his arrival in 2019: revise the second-year biology labs, which are central to the major programs. He went well beyond, transforming BIOL 2070 and 2071 using advanced, integrated pedagogical approaches. Professor Jang collaborated with faculty to create a CURE (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience) that provides genuine experiential learning for 300 students per term, and introduced creative new forms of assessment, including public examinations and Process-Oriented Guided Learning (POGIL) activities. In addition, he re-envisioned the lab courses for online learning during the pandemic, essentially redesigning and teaching with new approaches twice over.
Colleagues noted Professor Jang’s leadership in employing evidence-based best practices, and students were also enthusiastic about his teaching. Students found his style to be friendly, respectful, and stimulating. Many students commented on the improvement in their critical thinking abilities because of his teaching, and the relevance of his courses to everyday topics. As one student noted, “he makes learning genuinely interesting and applicable while removing added stressors, and he encourages deeper understanding.”
Excellence in Teaching Award – Contract Faculty category
Alireza Rafiee, Division of Natural Science
The pivot to online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges, including the physical and personal disconnect between faculty and students. Professor Alireza Rafiee successfully countered this by creating a lively online community with his students, helping them feel welcomed, confident, and excited to be in his courses. An experienced educator with a long history of teaching at York, Professor Rafiee created a relaxing, yet engaging and effective online learning environment. During the pandemic, students appreciated simple changes, such as playing music at the beginning of class, which helped make a difficult time more enjoyable.
In Natural Sciences (NATS) courses, where students are not science majors, many students commented on how he makes potentially difficult subject matter, such as astronomy and life in space, accessible by using a diversity of creative resources and teaching approaches. Students repeatedly recognized his ability to answer any question without judgement, to provide individual support as needed, and to make success in the course achievable for all.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Farwa Sajadi, Department of Biology
Students past and present enthusiastically voiced their admiration of Teaching Assistant Farwa Sajadi, describing her as encouraging, challenging, and inspiring. Farwa had the difficult task of coordinating and leading both online and in-person labs during the height of COVID-19 restrictions, yet she succeeded in creating an organized, warm, productive lab atmosphere in both environments. Farwa’s personal attention and constructive feedback provided critical support during the labs, but it was her dedication to students’ future success that students appreciated and respected the most.
Students consistently noted her valuable one-on-one mentorship in pursuing research careers, especially for non-native English speakers. One student commented that “BIOL3070 is still one of the courses that I believe played a key role in my development as a researcher today. This is all due to Farwa creating a lab environment that was helpful and supportive.” Another wrote that “(Farwa) ignited a passion in me for research and genuinely left her mark. She is the mentor I will always aspire to be.”
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Assistants
Myrto Tzamali, Lassonde School of Engineering
First-year physics courses such as PHYS 1800 and 1801 can be especially intimidating for students, but Teaching Assistant Myrto Tzamali made the labs a rich and enjoyable learning experience. Students appreciated her consistent and in-depth feedback, hands-on mentorship, and extra instructional aids that helped them achieve their full potential. Professors noted her commitment to innovative teaching strategies, and that Evangelia worked to engage and challenge students, earning their trust and respect. Evangelia’s teaching philosophy is summed up in her statement: “Everyone who is a student, no matter their age, needs to feel valued and to understand that how long it takes to solve a problem is less important than eventually understanding and solving it.”
Excellence in Teaching Award: Senior Tenure Stream
Dawn Bazely, Biology Department
If you read the nomination letters for Professor Dawn Bazely you would be smiling at the glowing student reviews speaking to her commitment to her student’s learning. The epitome of this was in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and all field courses were halted, but nonetheless, Bazely, created one of the first ever virtual field course in Canada in less than 2 months; to help students do field work labs at home, Bazely designed, organized, packaged and shipped out a low-cost Field Course Kit with plant seeds, soil, foldable microscopes, pieces of Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, to ensure her students would have an intellectually demanding learning experience they deserve.
In addition to this, Bazely goes above and beyond to support her students to offer volunteer positions in her laboratory, providing career mentorship, helping students apply for prestigious awards, and treating each student with dignity, respect and focus that they deserve.
Bazely has tremendous passion for science, students, and their education.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Junior Tenure Stream
Andrew Skelton, Math Department
Professor Andrew Skelton is cherished by students and faculty alike, and is known for his remarkable understanding of the latest pedagogical methods, always being available to help students ,spending countless hours with colleagues on professional development, and building interactive tools to help students understand mathematics thoroughly. Students say he shines with an aura of enthusiasm for teaching, especially given that mathematics is a challenging subject for many students.
Skelton’s impacts as a passionate educator go beyond the classrooms with contributions to the Mathematics for Education Program, the Science Summer Transition Program, students’ leaders training and peer mentorship program management at Bethune College and the Lassonde Mathematics Task Force.
Skelton also conducts leading tri-university mathematics education research on open-source mathematics skill programs to better support with transition from high school to university math.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Junior Tenure Stream
Tanya Da Sylva, Biology Department
If there’s one prevailing sentiment expressed in the many student letters of support for Tanya Da Sylva is that she is an exceptional teacher who always prioritizes creating a safe and healthy learning environment for students in her classrooms. She is definitely a student favourite!
She incorporates the principles of universal design for learning (UDL) in all her Biology courses, which focus on engagement, representation, and action and expression.
Another hallmark of her teaching is the integration of self-reflecting and real-life application activities into her interactive lessons. She understands that mistakes are crucial for learning new material and allows students the space to learn from their errors.
In addition to all of this, Da Sylva has been extremely effective in developing curriculum to support student success, such as her BC 1800- First Year Seminars in Science and BC 3010-Advanced Peer Leadership. Thank you, Da Sylva for your infectious excitement about science education.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Awards
Laura Keane, Math Department
Laura Keane has an infectious passion for teaching and mentoring. Students and professors’ comment on how she builds a great rapport with her students, creates a comfortable learning environment, and encourages students to build their confidence levels in mathematics. First year mathematics courses can often be difficult for students, however, Keane created an impactful eClass forum answering over 250 mathematical questions in a respectful and easy to understand manner, helping many students build their early mathematical skills. On the other end of the spectrum, Keane was instrumental in developing a new fourth-year course that is the only mathematics courses to have an official laboratory component. Keane helped design the laboratory experiments, create the lab instructions, led the lab sessions, and evaluate students’ solutions.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Awards
Jenna LeBlanc, Biology Department
All the nomination letters express how Jenna LeBlanc inspires her students through her caring and compassionate nature. While teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, LeBlanc was extremely understanding of the unprecedented times, always available for help via email, providing extra support, spending more time on concepts that were difficult to understand, providing extra resources and additional readings, and changing up her teaching styles to better meet student needs. Furthermore, LeBlanc volunteered to develop 10 remote laboratory videos for a biology course that needed to quickly shift its labs to a remote offering due to the pandemic. LeBlanc is thoroughly deserving of winning this prestigious award.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Senior Tenure Stream
Michael S. Chen, Math Department
One theme that is evident from the letter of support for Professor Michael Chen is that he always challenges and pushes his students towards success. Chen teaches non-linear optimization, a subject area that is notoriously difficult, however his student praise him for making it practical, enjoyable, and easy to learn!
Furthermore, his students feel grateful to him for his extraordinary level of commitment to provide mentoring and guidance to many undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Many students have benefited tremendously from Chen’s mentorship in starting their careers, creating professional networks, and getting relevant industry experience.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Junior Tenure Stream
Hovig Kouyoumdjan, Chemistry Department
Professor Hovig Kouyoumdjan is a favourite among students, with some students clamoring to take three courses with him, and students going to the online enrollment platform at all hours of the day to get in his class!
The students cannot say enough wonderful things about Professor Hovig. One student even proclaimed “Professor Hovig has been one of the most inspiring, respected and knowledgeable science professors that I have ever had at York University.” Student understanding of chemistry is at the utmost importance to Kouyoumdjan, with him repeating the concepts in different ways, staying after the lecture to answer the students’ questions, providing online tutorials and plenty of office hours both online and in person. Everyone commends him for going out of his way to review or re-explain any ideas that may not have been understood the first time around!
Furthermore, when the COIVD-19 pandemic hit, Kouyoumdjan really stepped up for the Chemistry department to film, edited and delivered online laboratories introductory chemistry courses to ensure our students would stay safe, and learn the necessary Chemistry laboratory skills from home. Kouyoumdjan also conducts chemistry education research in order to understand how student learn chemical concepts. He has published articles in Journal of Chemical Education and has presented in many national and international conferences and meetings.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Awards
Olga Andriyevksa, Physics Department
All the nomination letters express how dedicated of a TA Olga Andriyevksa is to her students. Students and professors alike sang her praise for spearheading the development of an in-house free Physics online homework systems for PHYS 1800. This system allowed students to practice their learning in a low-stakes, easy to use environment, and improving student course outcomes. Andriyevksa is described as “an exceptional leader advocating for diversity and inclusion and her genuine care and investment into every student.”
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Awards
Gurnoor Brar, Biology Department
Gurnoor Brar is a TA within the Faculty of Science at York University. As a master’s student in molecular biology, Brar’s pedagogical work in the laboratory has earned her the 2021 Richard Jarrell Award for Excellence in Teaching. Brar’s faculty nominators spoke with high regard of her focused support of students in spending considerable time to instill abilities that went beyond surface level retention and enabled students to become experts in fundamental biological problem solving. She has helped instructors, lab technicians and other TAs by sharing valuable resources related to teaching strategies, and student learning accommodations. Brar ensured that real-world relevance was at the forefront of her lab sessions, highlighting that learning is a dynamic process that involves interactions extending beyond the limitations of the classroom. One student boldly suggested that “Gurnoor was the best TA she has ever had” indicating that Brar’s encouragement of collective student success makes her stand out.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Senior Tenure Stream
Professor Lortie, Biology Department
One theme that is evident from the letters of support for Professor Christopher Lortie is that he is unceasingly enthusiastic about his subject, and it’s apparent that this enthusiasm is infectious. One student confessed that it was Lortie’s charismatic and energetic approach that made her look happily get up to attend her 8:30 classes with him. His teaching is creative, and students express their gratefulness to him for some of the unique opportunities he provides. These include offering real-time dynamic resources rather than simply relying on textbooks; helping students generate real programming; and organizing writing workshops to improve scientific writing. These and other creative approaches make his classes fun and exciting.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Junior Tenure Stream
Nicole Nivillac, Biology Department
It comes as no surprise to those who know her that Professor Nicole Nivillac is one of this year’s two faculty member winners. From the day she started at York, it was clear to all that she was a teacher whose many positive attributes are appreciated by her students. One student concluded her letter of support by saying that Nivillac is “everything a perfect professor should be.” That is high praise, but it’s consistent with the observations expressed by so many of her students in their letters of support. She’s fair, respectful, and kind, but she also proceeds in a manner that teaches students how to think like scientists. Her lectures are engrossing and, apparently, enhanced by her sense of humour and her ability to call upon real-world applications.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Awards
Nicolas Bragagnolo, Chemistry Department
Our second winning TA this year equally impressed the Adjudication Committee. Nicholas Bragagnolo’s lab teaching has had a positive impact on many York students. His warm and welcoming personality evidently makes attending his labs an enjoyable event. One international student was particularly articulate about how he was able to allay her anxieties as she tackled her learning tasks in a foreign environment. He evidently is able to help students learn the material and to solve problems successfully, and it’s clear he effectively promotes critical thinking. But on a deeper level, it was also clear in reviewing the letters of support that he deepens students’ love and passion for studying science.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching Award
Eleni Fegaras, Biology Department
For several years, the Adjudication Committee has been aware of Eleni Fegaras because of the continuing positive reports received that document the impact her lab teaching has on undergraduate students. This year, the accolades crescendoed into many heartfelt letters from her students. Creative in her explanations, and patient and caring are among the attributes that students repeatedly identify. One student boldly suggested he could speak for hours about why she deserves special recognition for her service to students. The professors with whom she works in teaching undergrad material think equally highly of her. One senior professor confessed that although he had worked with many great TAs, he had never had a similarly overall impressive experience till he had worked with Fegaras.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Senior Tenure Stream
Patricia Lakin-Thomas, Biology Department
If there’s one prevailing sentiment expressed in the many student letters of support for Professor Patricia Lakin-Thomas’ nomination, it’s that she is very generous with her time for students. She evidently has an open-door policy, and time and again, students express appreciation for the comfort they experience in asking her questions. They are always treated with respect and leave with greater understanding. Lakin-Thomas is considered a masterful lecturer who attends to processing, analyzing, and applying knowledge, not the mere memorization of it. And, when a student says she appreciates a professor for writing creative and intellectually challenging exams, that is high praise indeed.
Dr. Pat, as she is known to her students, is also an advocate for experiential learning and directs the department’s Research Practicum course, which offers students hands-on practical experience as part of a Biology research team.”
Excellence in Teaching Award: Junior Tenure Stream
Derek Jackson, Chemistry Department
If you were to read the many nomination letters for Professor Derek Jackson, and if you’d struggled yourself to get through organic chemistry, we think you might even consider taking it again with him. According to the students he teaches, organic chemistry is no longer something to be dreaded, but rather it’s something to look forward to. That is indeed an accomplishment. "Creative" and "passionate" are used many times to describe Jackson, and "clear" and "engaging" are used many times to describe his lectures. Students appreciate his zeal, his commitment, his attention to understanding rather than memorizing, his effective use of technology, and even his frequent jokes.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Junior Tenure Stream
James Elwick, Science & Technology Studies
Professor James Elwick is an exceptionally worthy candidate for this award. If there’s one over-arching theme from student commentaries about his teaching it is “creative engagement” – and this refers to both his own engagement and to that of his students. Games, challenges, activities, and discussions are interspersed among fascinating lecturing. Elwick brings out the best in his students, making shy ones feel comfortable, and making those with different opinions feel welcome all the same. His efforts and gifts yield great pay-offs for York students: he teaches “in such a way as to make students fall in love with the topics, just as he loves those topics.”
Excellence in Teaching Award: Non-Tenure Stream
Daniela Monaldi, Science & Technology Studies
Professor Daniela Monaldi is an extremely versatile and capable professor. Not many lecturers have the intellectual capacity to teach courses in Mathematics, History, Technology, and Nutrition, but she does. Not only can she do it, but she manages to teach such a challenging and interdisciplinary array of courses in a manner that enriches and delights her students. Her approach is both traditional and modern, as she has deftly incorporated modern technologies into her classes. Many students comment on her conscientious and caring approach, making students universally feel cared about. As one letter writer asked after describing her many wonderful attributes: “What more can you ask of your lecturer?”
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching
Harjot Singh Deol, Biology Department
Harjot Singh Deol has become a favourite TA among undergraduate students in Biology and Natural Science courses. One nominator who had the good fortune of having Deol as her TA indicated he “created an environment in which learning was joyous and engaging.” Another student said something similar: his “love for teaching radiates enthusiasm and a joy for learning.” Others referred to him and his teaching as kind, fair, patient, amazing, and approachable. Not only is the process of learning from him clearly enjoyable, the outcomes are there to show it pays off. One professor observed: “Harjot’s students often mention that they have acquired a deeper understanding of lab material under his guidance.”
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching
Mohamed Salem, Biology Department
Mohamed Salem’s nomination file was a pleasure to read. Even though there were so many letters of support, it was delightful to go through each one of them.
"Phenomenal," "organized," "passionate," "positive," and "calm" were among the adjectives used to describe Salem's teaching.
And how about this student comment as a strong endorsement: “the most inspirational person I have met in my life."
Frequently, students indicated to the adjudication panel that Salem goes above and beyond to fulfill his teaching duties.
Supported by the entirely positive feedback provided by students, the professors who work with him universally appreciated Salem's approach in teaching, commitment, preparedness, and unceasing good humour.
Excellence in Teaching Award: Senior Tenure Stream
Paula Wilson, Biology Department
Professor Paula Wilson has been a key player in the development of the many innovative and thoughtful teaching initiatives that characterize the learning environment in the Faculty of Science. She is the leader in the Faculty’s Early Alert program that seeks to assist new students who struggle, and also with the project to help students be more reflective on their state of knowledge. She brings this depth to the classroom, where she is a very popular instructor.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching
Uzma Nadeem, Biology Department
Uzma Nadeem simply radiates dedication to her students. Well organized, patient, and thoughtful, Nadeem has become well known in the teaching community at York for her many contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as in outreach initiatives. With the recognition of her many exemplary teaching skills and insights, Nadeem has been a valued tutor at York’s Teaching Commons.
Richard Jarrell Award of Excellence for Teaching
David Miller , Biology Department
Described by one student as “the most outstanding, motivated and intellectually stimulating Teaching Assistant,” David Miller has had a positive impact on the lives of many undergraduate students. He is recognized for his use of creative methods in the lab to assist students in understanding difficult topics, and Miller is well known for doing so in a kind and approachable manner.
President’s University Wide Teaching Awards
| Name | Program | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole Nivillac | Biology | Senior Full-Time | 2026 |
| Andrew Skelton | Mathematics & Statistics | Full-Time | 2026 |
| Farwa Sajadi | Biology | Teaching Assistant | 2023 |
| Paula Wilson | Biology | Senior Full-Time | 2020 |
| Tamara Kelly | Biology | Full-Time | 2014 |
| Dawn Bazely | Biology | Senior Full-Time | 2013 |
| Tharsini Manivannan | Chemistry | Teaching Assistant | 2008 |
| Tanya Noel | Biology | Full-Time | 2008 |
| Paul A. Delany | Physics & Astronomy | Senior Full-Time | 2006 |
| Walter Whiteley | Mathematics & Statistics | Senior Full-Time | 2003 |
| Silviu Guiasu | Mathematics & Statistics | Senior Full-Time | 2001 |
| Jurij Darewych | Physics & Astronomy | Senior Full-Time | 1998 |
Graduate Faculty Teaching Award
| Year | Winner | Field |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | Richard Murray | Graduate Programs in Biology, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Psychology |
| 2012-2013 | Laurence R. Harris | Graduate Programs in Biology, Kinesiology & Health Science and Psychology |
| 2002-2003 | Barrie Coukell | Graduate Program in Biology |