Dean of Engineering Office
Engineering 7 (E7), Room 7302
Direct line: 519-888-4885
Internal line: ext. 44885
Recognizing excellence in teaching
Whatever form teaching excellence may take, we are committed to developing, supporting, and recognizing exceptional teaching.
Our faculty teaching members have been recognized with a number of faculty specific, campus wide, and external awards. Expand a section below to view these awards and Waterloo Engineering recipients. You can find out more about each of the awards named below by clicking on its title.
Waterloo Engineering 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 |
University of Waterloo Teaching Awards
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 |
External Teaching Awards
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 |
Support a teaching award nomination
In order to be considered, a faculty member, instructor, teaching assistant, or instructional team must first be nominated. Nominations may be put forward by both students and colleagues, and the Faculty of Engineering Teaching Development Associate is available to answer teaching award questions and support nomination activities.
If you have encountered teaching excellence, visit our Teaching Excellence Form and share your experience. Your response may be used to support a teaching award nomination.