Lay Ling Tan, recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, 2017

Chemistry

Lay Ling Tan, a PhD student in the department of Chemistry, is recognized for her diligence, patience, and dedication as an educator. Comparing her teaching to that of a “seasoned professor,” students say that “her teaching was very practical, insightful and memorable.” One undergraduate student added that “Lay Ling has a phenomenal knowledge and understanding of inorganic chemistry, but, more importantly, is exceptional at communicating and teaching complex chemical concepts and problems.” A faculty member noted that “in my 10+ years at Waterloo, I have not had as qualified and dedicated a TA as Lay Ling.” In addition to being named a recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, Tan has also received the Department of Chemistry Teaching Assistant Excellence Award on three separate occasions.

Tan has been a teaching assistant for CHEM 120, CHEM 212, CHEM 310, and CHEM 313.