Teaching awards

Engineering Society Teaching Excellence Award

This award recognizes a teacher (professor, lecturer, or laboratory instructor) from the faculty of Engineering for their contributions to ensuring academic success for their students. More specifically, the award recognizes an instructor who has:

• Employed non-conventional teaching techniques
• Allowed opportunities for experiential learning
• Showed a commitment and dedication toward ensuring academic success for students

The Engineering Society Teaching Excellence Award committee accepts nominations for outstanding Waterloo Engineering Instructors every term! One honouree is selected per term for the Engineering Society Teaching Excellence Award and their names are added to the plaque found in the CPH foyer. This committee then goes on to put together packages to nominate professors, lecturers and laboratory instructors for Faculty and University-wide awards.

Recent Recipients

A complete list of past recipients is available at https://www.engsoc.uwaterloo.ca/about-us/awards/faculty-awards/.

 

Sandford Fleming Foundation Teaching Assistantship Excellence Award

The Sandford Fleming Foundation presents these awards to acknowledge the excellent contributions made by teaching assistants to the undergraduate educational program. One award is made annually by each academic department and the first year office. Classes are invited to submit nominations each term to the Engineering Undergraduate Office.

Recent Recipients

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2019	Benjamin Beelen	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2018	Leo Kim	Chemical Engineering
2018	Chadi Altrjman	Chemical Engineering
2018	Chang Paik	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2018	John Hwang	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2017	Steven Brookshaw	Chemical Engineering
2017	Mohammad Hussain	Chemical Engineering
2017	Miguel Lopez Nunez	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2016	Patricia Duong	Chemical Engineering
2016	Michael Cottenden	Management Sciences
2016	Sarbajoy Majumdar	Management Sciences
2016	Andrew Andrade	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2016	Robin Liu	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2015	Junhua Gu	Chemical Engineering
2015	Nathan Grishkewich	Chemical Engineering
2015	Hassan Ali	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2015	Wei Jiang	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2015	Sakib Imtiaz	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2015	Mohamoud Allam Alsanbaway	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2015	Jeff Luo	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2015	Farough Pourhossein	Management Sciences
2015	Victoria Strong	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2015	Chris Kohar	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2015	Andrew R. Kacheff	Nanotechnology Engineering
2015	Gabriel Richard	Year 1 Engineering
2015	Christian Gould	Year 1 Engineering
2015	Srikajan Santhirakumaran	Year 1 Engineering
2015	Ryan Barrage	Year 1 Engineering

 

Sandford Fleming Foundation / Faculty of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award

In cooperation with the Dean of Engineering Office, the Sandford Fleming Foundation presents awards to faculty members that are recognized as outstanding teachers. Recipients must show a continued record of excellence in undergraduate teaching. Other contributions are considered, such as course development, student guidance, and student project supervision. The Award provides for the support of two undergraduate research assistantships to assist the recipient in his or her research.

Recent Recipients

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2018	Chris Bachmann	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2018	Marc Hurwitz	Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business
2018	Andrew Levitt	School of Architecture
2017	John McPhee	Systems Design Engineering
2017	Maya Przybylski	School of Architecture
2017	Sean Peterson	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2016	Carol Hulls	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2016	Derek Wright	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2016	Wayne Chang	Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business
2016	Rajinder Pal	Chemical Engineering
2015	Igor Ivkovic	Systems Design Engineering
2015	Kaan Erkorkmaz	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2015	Hector Budman	Chemical Engineering
2014	Alexander Wong	Systems Design Engineering
2014	Sean Peterson	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2014	James Craig	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2013	Kyle Daun	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2013	David Nairn	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2013	Luis Ricardez Sandoval	Chemical Engineering
2012	Keith Hipel	Systems Design Engineering
2012	David Wang	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2012	David Brush	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2011	Sanjeev Bedi	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2011	Mark Smucker	Management Sciences
2011	Mark Pritzker	Chemical Engineering
2010	Ehsan Toyserkani	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2010	Bob McKillop	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2010	Christine Moresoli	Chemical Engineering
2009	Hamid Jahed	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2009	Andrew Heunis	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2009	Michael Fowler	Chemical Engineering

 

Teaching Assistantship Award in Architecture

Contact the Architecture Coordinator of Graduate Studies and Research for more details.

Recent Recipients

Term received	Name
Winter 2018	Alexandra Siu
Spring 2018	Jason McMillam
Winter 2017	Richard Mui
Winter 2016	Safira Lakhani
Spring 2016	Marc-Antoine Pepin
Fall 2016	Samuel Ganton
Spring 2015	Sarah Gunawan
Fall 2015	Kyle Brill
Winter 2014	Kimberley Adamek
Spring 2014	Jaliya Fonseka
Fall 2014	Sarah Gunawan
Spring 2013	Reuben Grin
Spring 2013	Taehyung Kim
Fall 2013	James Strong

Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student

This award is open to all students who have a formal teaching role at the University of Waterloo. Up to four awards are given annually in recognition of excellence in teaching of all kinds by registered students (e.g., teaching assistant, laboratory demonstrator, sessional lecturer). The Selection Committee considers intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of subject matter. Concern for and sensitivity to the academic need of the students is an important criterion.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2019	Apratim Chakraborty	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2018	Amanda Garcia	Systems Design Engineering
2017	Mohammed Nassar	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2016	Tiffany Bayley	Management Sciences
2015	Mostafa Farrokhabadi	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2014	Rania Al-Hammoud	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2013	Jonathan Eyolfson	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2012	Arash Shahi	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2012	Hamed Shateri	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2012	Andrea Murphy	School of Architecture
2011	Adam Neale	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2011	Mehrdad Pirnia	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2011	Justin Eichel	Systems Design Engineering
2009	David Takacs	School of Architecture

Certificate in University Teaching Award

The Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) Award is given annually to a graduate student who shows a strong commitment to their development as a university teacher and demonstrates the highest achievement on completion of the CUT program. Jointly administered by the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the office of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA), this award serves to acknowledge the importance of teaching development efforts by Waterloo’s graduate students. The CUT Award is open to all graduate students who have completed the Certificate in University Teaching Program. As the winner is determined internally, no application is required and self-nominations are not accepted.  Selection is made jointly by CTE and GSPA and the winner is announced in April. The Award consists of a book on university teaching and a cash award. Funding for the CUT award is provided by GSPA.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2017	Amanda Garcia	Systems Design Engineering
2015	Marzieh  Riahinezhad	Chemical Engineering
2014	Carlos Moreno	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2013	Rachel Murdy Campbell	Chemical Engineering
2010	Ramila H. Peiris	Chemical Engineering
2007	Trent R. Tucker	Management Sciences

Distinguished Teacher Award (DTA)

Since its inception in 1975, over 150 DTAs have been awarded to exemplary instructors at the University of Waterloo. The DTA is awarded to four instructors annually at the March meeting of Senate. Nominations are due the first Friday of February.

The DTA is not limited to faculty members — it's open to all those who teach students at the University of Waterloo. The main criterion of the Distinguished Teacher Award is a record of excellent teaching over an extended period at Waterloo, usually at least five years. Other criteria include: 

• evidence of intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of subject matter
• evidence of educational impact beyond the classroom
• the instructor’s human quality and concern for and sensitivity to the needs of students 
• a clear indication that the nominee has a favourable and lasting influence on students, and, where relevant, on colleagues

​Evidence of successful innovation in teaching or publications or presentations on teaching and learning may support a nomination, but it is also clear that excellence in teaching does not necessarily require either.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2019	Paul Fieguth	Systems Design Engineering
2018	Wayne Chang	Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business
2017	Dan Davison	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2017	Sanjeev Bedi	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2016	Bob McKillop	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2016	Mark Pritzker	Chemical Engineering
2015	Jeff West	Civil and Environmental Engineering
2013	Duane Cronin	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
2009	Gordon Stubley	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA-ACEG) Ron Britton Engineering Education Vanguard Award (PDF)

This award goes to a person who, early in their career, has committed to the development of engineering education in Canada through practice and/or research. This person is contributing to the field in a way that demonstrates his or her commitment to innovation, change, and improvement in engineering education; is making significant differences in engineering education practices through innovation in the engineering classroom and/or through research; and has demonstrated support of CEEA-ACEG through membership and conference participation.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2018	Mary Robinson	Chemical Engineering

 

Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) Teaching Award

The OCUFA Teaching and Academic Librarianship Awards recognize individuals with exceptional contributions to the higher education community. Individuals may be nominated for an OCUFA teaching award on the basis of outstanding performance in teaching.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2009	Gordon Stubley	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

 

Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) Award for Teaching Excellence

The OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes educators who excel at unlocking the potential of Ontario’s young people. It is our pleasure to give these remarkable professionals the recognition they deserve. Successfully engaging individuals in the learning experience is highly dependent on an instructor’s ability to spark the desire to learn in students. A good textbook and a high-tech classroom are not enough to provide a quality education. An excellent instructor will be able to engage their students in the process of learning and discovery and help them develop the thinking and learning skills that form the foundation of a high quality educational experience. With this in mind, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance annually presents its teaching awards to professors from each of our member campuses, that have taken this role to heart and have been selected by their students as examples of teaching excellence.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2020	Mohammed Nassar	Electrical and Computer Engineering
2012	Gordon Stubley	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

 

Sandford Fleming Foundation (SFF) Wighton Fellowship

The Wighton Fellowship is a national award to recognize excellence in the development and teaching of laboratory-based courses in Canadian undergraduate engineering programs. The Award is funded by a generous endowment from the late Dr. J. L. Wighton, formerly a professor of Engineering, whose commitment to the laboratory component of engineering curricula led to the formation of the Fellowship in 1986 in cooperation with the National Council of Deans of Engineering and Applied Science (NCDEAS) and the Sandford Fleming Foundation. The Fellowship has been awarded every year since its inception in 1987 at Universities across Canada.

The Wighton Fellowship is awarded annually and consists of a $3,000 stipend and a certificate. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee composed of the President, Past President, and Secretary of the NCDEAS, and the Secretary of the Wighton Fellowship (from the Sandford Fleming Foundation).

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2009	Mark Pritzker	Chemical Engineering

 

Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) 3M National Teaching Fellowship

In 1986, the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada partnered to recognize exceptional contributions to teaching and learning in Canadian post-secondary education. The community of 3M National Teaching Fellows embodies the highest ideals of teaching excellence and scholarship with a commitment to encourage and support the educational experience of every learner.

Up to ten Fellowships are selected annually. Canada now has over 300 3M National Teaching Fellows, representing a broad range of academic disciplines from more than 80 small and large Canadian post-secondary institutions. After their invitation to join the Fellowship, new Fellows continue to support teaching and learning at their own institutions and through larger, collaborative initiatives, supported by the Council of 3M Fellows and the STLHE.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2017	Gordon Stubley	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

 

Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Alan Blizzard Award

The Alan Blizzard Award was established to encourage, identify, and publicly recognize those whose exemplary collaboration in teaching enhances student learning. The Award honours Dr. Alan Blizzard, STLHE President from 1987 to 1995, and his convictions about the effectiveness of collaboration in team teaching for student learning. The Award seeks to make visible and disseminate scholarship of teaching and learning, based on the values and practices of collaborative teaching.

 

Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning*

*Briefly known as the Brightspace Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning

Established in 2012, the D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning, sponsored by D2L (Desire2Learn), celebrates and recognizes up to five post-secondary educators each year for their innovative approaches that promote student-centred teaching and learning.

Recent Recipients in Engineering

Year received	Name	Academic Unit
2016	Carol Hulls	Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering