Two Faculty of Science lecturers receive 2020 Distinguished Teacher Awards | Science

Rick Marta and Cynthia Richard were both recognized for their excellence in teaching with a 2020 Distinguished Teacher Award from the Centre of Teaching Excellence. Cynthia is the first recipient from the School of Pharmacy to receive the honour.

Rick Marta, Department of Chemistry

Rick Marta, a lecturer and Materials and Nanosciences (MNS) academic advisor for the Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Astronomy, is well known for his passion for teaching.

His students recognize his “dedication to developing course materials, assisting his students during experiments, and his ability to provide one-on-one support.” Many of his students praise his open-door policy as he ensures that he welcomes everyone who needs support, or is always open for a friendly conversation.

Marta’s passion and enthusiasm for chemistry has inspired many students to enter the field and pursue further education.

As one colleague wrote, “students marvel at his ability to present difficult concepts lucidly and in plain language; they praise his willingness to sit down with each of them to explain it all over again, no matter how large the class or how long the hours.”

Marta’s friendly personality and demeanour demonstrates that he genuinely cares deeply about the educational aspirations of each student. His impact on student learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Cynthia Richard, School of Pharmacy

Seen as more than just a lecturer, Cynthia Richard is a member of the Faculty of Science who is said to go above and beyond the call of duty. She is an engaging lecturer with an incredible knowledge of the content, explaining material in ways that encourages students to expand their knowledge. She has had a big impact on students and her peers at the School of Pharmacy, with many describing her as “welcoming” and “supportive.”

Her students greatly appreciate the emphasis she puts on the importance of mental well-being, and Cynthia has been involved with mental health initiatives around the school where she has offered her own support and reassurance to students along with way.

Richard started at Waterloo in 2012 and since then has organized the Canadian Pharmacy Education and Research Conference (CPERC) and has taken on the role of Associate Director of Curriculum. She approaches projects in an innovative and collaborative way, and is recognized for “always [being] the first person to offer assistance.” With her great passion to help others she is someone who is quick to take action in order to lead her students to success.

The Distinguished Teacher Award is given to University of Waterloo teachers based on evidence of intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of the subject matter in more than just the classroom, along with the instructor’s human quality and concern for and sensitivity to the needs of the students.

Since its inception in 1975, more than 150 Distinguished Teacher Awards have been awarded to exemplary instructors at the University of Waterloo. The Faculty of Science has 33 recipients.

The other receipients of a 2020 Distinguished Teaching Award were Lowell Ewert (Arts) and Rajinder Pal (Engineering).

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