The Amit & Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student recognize up to four students from across the University of Waterloo for excellence in teaching of all kinds (e.g., teaching assistant, laboratory demonstrator, sessional lecturer) by registered students.
This year, two of the four winners were from the Faculty of Science.
Melanie Mungalsingh, School of Optometry and Vision Science
Melanie Mungalsingh, a PhD student in Optometry and Vision Science, is recognized by her students and colleagues for her exceptional teaching skills, accessibility, approachability, and problem-solving abilities.
An optometry student remarked that Mungalsingh “went the extra mile to make sure she provided the best guidance, even if it meant researching problems on her own and getting back to students outside of work hours.”
A colleague remarked that “Mungalsingh presents material in a variety of ways and adapts her language as needed to ensure students understand the concepts that she is enforcing.” As well, several of her students pointed out that she has always made herself available and accessible to answer questions about campus life or confusing scientific concepts outside scheduled labs and office hours. Students have truly felt supported by Mungalsingh.
Mungalsingh continues to build her teaching portfolio by taking part in the Fundamentals of University Teaching Certificate with the Centre for Teaching Excellence. She also earned a Certificate in Online Course Facilitation at the University of Waterloo to learn how to deliver engaging online courses.
Mungalsingh has been a lab instructor for OPTOM 337, OPTOM 387, OPTOM 255, OPTOM 152, BIOL 130, BIOL 273, BIOL 373.
Quinn Worthington, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Quinn Worthington, a master's student in Earth and Environmental Sciences, is recognized by her students and colleagues for her exceptional teaching, approachable personality, and passion for student success. Worthington’s personality has allowed students to approach her when they need help.
A colleague remarked that “Quinn creates a positive atmosphere and students are naturally drawn to her and feel very comfortable asking her questions.”Worthington creates a risk-free learning environment by taking students’ incorrect answers and pointing out other criteria for students to consider, guiding them to the correct answer. In the end, “students have turned their failures into a success.”
Students have found Worthington to be exceptionally helpful. A student remarked that “I found Quinn to be exceptionally helpful. My first impression was how she was very approachable and knowledgeable, which made me feel more comfortable inquiring about geology.”
Worthington has been a TA for EARTH 251 and EARTH 390.
Congratulations to Melanie and Quinn!