Congratulations to Dr. Yu-Ru Liu, professor of pure mathematics and director of Women in Math, on her receipt of a 2026 Distinguished Teacher Award. Established in 1975, the award is given by the Centre for Teaching Excellence to no more than four instructors per year.
“It is a true honour to receive this award,” Liu says. “I am grateful for the recognition and appreciate the support of my colleagues and students who made this possible.”
Liu has been part of the Faculty of Mathematics since 2003. An accomplished number theory researcher, she teaches courses ranging from first-year core mathematics courses to upper-year and graduate level pure mathematics courses. She has also supervised a broad range of students at all levels, including more than 60 undergraduate research students and over 30 graduates and postdocs. As director of Women in Math, she has pioneered the Directed Reading Program (DRP), which pairs graduate students with underrepresented undergraduates and engages them in guided research projects, with the purpose of skill development and early research mentorship.
“Yu-Ru Liu combines mathematics depth with a remarkable gift for teaching,” says Dr. Jochen Koenemann, dean of the Faculty of Mathematics. “She brings energy, clarity, and genuine care to her students, creating an environment where they can thrive. We are fortunate to have her in our Faculty, and this award is a fitting recognition of her contributions.”
Liu’s teaching philosophy is focused around three teaching objectives: cultivating students’ interest and confidence through well-organized lectures and a supportive learning environment; integrating research into teaching based on students’ academic maturity; and building trust and connections between the instructor and student. “Students today face increased stress as they navigate uncertainty in a rapidly changing workplace,” she says. “I strive to build meaningful, trusting relationships with my students and be supportive when they seek guidance.”
In addition to this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Liu has received multiple other awards recognizing her excellence as an instructor, including Harvard University’s Distinction in Teaching certificate (2001, 2002), the University of Waterloo Undergraduate Mathematical Society’s Instructor of the Year Award (2011), and the Faculty of Mathematics Award for Distinction in Teaching (2013).
“Yu-Ru has helped so many students feel like they belong in Pure Mathematics, both through her thoughtful, patient, and rigorous teaching, and through her work with Women in Math and the Directed Reading program,” says Diana Skrzydlo, the Math Teaching Fellow.
Liu is particularly grateful to Skrzydlo and her Pure Math colleague Dr. Nico Spronk for the nomination. She also thanks her chair, Dr. David McKinnon, as well as the colleagues who wrote letters on her behalf: Dr. Jason Bell, Dr. Ghazal Geshnizjani, Dr. David Jao, Dr. Brucu Karabina, Dr. Alfred Menezes, Dr. Sophie Spirkl, Dr. Kateryna Tatarko and Dr. Jerry Wang. “Most importantly,” she says, “I would like to thank all of the students who took the time to write in support of me. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to work with each of them.”