Congratulations to this year's recipients of the Amit & Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student!
Rania Al-Hammoud, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Nathaniel Barr, Psychology
Brenda Lee, Biology (Nanotechnology)
Rania Al-Hammoud
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Recipient of the 2014 Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student
Rania Al-Hammoud completed her Masters of Applied Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Waterloo. From Fall 2010 to Fall 2013, Rania taught a total of ten undergraduate courses in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program including 4 different core second-year courses and 2 advanced fourth-year courses on structural systems and structural analysis. Her dedication to enhancing student learning in a range of undergraduate courses is greatly appreciated by the students. Students regard her as a “hard working, caring and intelligent instructor”. A student writes, “She would not rest until we not only knew how but also why.” Her extraordinary ability to teach and ensure student engagement and a deep understanding of the course material through various interactive teaching methods, in particular within large classes, has had a great influence on student learning. She recently secured a faculty position at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota-Duluth
Nathaniel Barr
Psychology
Recipient of the 2014 Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student
Nathaniel Barr, a PhD graduate student in Psychology at the University of Waterloo, is known as a teacher who makes an admirable impact on student learning by creating a positive learning environment and expressing passion for the field of psychology. Nathaniel, as a teaching assistant and an instructor for various psychology courses, “went beyond and above in his teaching role”. He recently taught PSYCH101 (online), PSYCH207 and PSYCH398 as an adjunct instructor. A student commented that “No matter where his career takes him, he will have a profound and positive impact on those around him, although I truly believe that teaching is where he needs to be”. A faculty member writes, “I know that teaching is his first love, and it shows!
Brenda Lee
Biology (Nanotechnology)
Recipient of the 2014 Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student
Brenda Lee, a PhD graduate student and teaching assistant in Biology (Nanotechnology) at the University of Waterloo, is being recognized for her positive impact on student learning in various Biology labs. Her students share their high regards in her ability to give constructive criticism and explain concepts thoroughly. Students note that Brenda “used creative approaches such as demonstrations, drawings and thought provoking questions to make her points”. In addition, they describe her as “very friendly, approachable, helpful, and knowledgeable”. Her friendly demeanor, genuine interest in helping students, wealth of knowledge, and effective teaching skills have played a significant role in creating a positive learning experience for her students.