2019-2020 Graduate Student Awards of Excellence

Nicholas Macia
John Kendall Doctoral Thesis Award
Chemistry

Title: Exploring the Factors Influencing the Plasmon-Enhanced Production of Singlet Oxygen by Developing Model Hybrid Photosensitizer-Metal Nanoparticles

Mr. Macia’s thesis summarizes his research work in the field of plasmonic enhancement of singlet oxygen. Up to date, the field of plasmonic was focused on limited applications such as enhancement of fluorescence. Nicolas has broadened the scope of this field by engineering unique nanoparticles that amplify chemical reactions triggered by light. He has pioneered multiple series of nanoparticles composed of a plasmonic core and a photosensitizer located at a precise distance from the core. He was the first one to prove experimentally and quantify that the distance from the nanoparticles and their shape are two key parameters that impact singlet oxygen production. More importantly, he established the role of the far-field on the enhancement factor leading to the first set of guidelines that currently allows research to predict accurately the enhancement factor. He has also steered his research towards practical applications, proving engineered hybrid nanoparticles are very effective at killing a wide variety of bacterial strains.

Nicolas has written an exceptional thesis encompassing a unique body of work, which is not only highly original, but appeals to all readers, from the novice to the expert in the field. His outstanding expertise in the field of photochemistry has been central to the success of other projects, leading to his researching being published in chemistry flagship journals such at the Journal of The American Society, which best illustrates the impact, the quality and the originality of his work.

Anupama De Silva Ariyaratne
Jim & Josie Gray Award
Biological Sciences

Ms. Ariyarante is a highly capable teacher who delivers material clearly and effectively to students. Anupama interacts well with the students and keeps their interest in class. She has a strong work ethic and has passion for the material that she is teaching, and is always looking to improve on what is being taught in order to make complex concepts more understandable. She is highly approachable; therefore, students and colleagues are very comfortable in asking for assistance. She continually strives to improve her own teaching skills. For example, she recently participated in the University of Calgary’s teaching diploma program. She is also highly collegial, having provided significant coaching to other Teaching Assistants who were new to their roles.

Amy Frederick
Faculty of Science Alumni Association Award
Physics and Astronomy

Lead Teaching Assistants for multi-section undergraduate physics courses are chosen with care. They have to meet the mark of being an individual who has not only previously been a TA in the course, but have also demonstrated their dedication to teaching and who are able to set an example, as well as facilitate the training and mentoring of other TAs. Ms. Frederick is one who has not only met this mark, but exceeded it, by using her intellectual ability and understanding of material Amy is able to explain the material, answer questions and therefore teach her students.

Nicholas Gingerysty
Dr. Don F. Tavares Award
Chemistry

As a first time Teaching Assistant, the feedback from Mr. Gingerysty’s students was overwhelmingly positive. Nick created a good learning environment, where questions were encouraged, and students felt respected and listened to. In addition to being knowledgeable about the course material, students felt Nick was friendly, approachable and energetic. Furthermore, students appreciated how helpful he was throughout the semester – especially with office hours.

Braulio Lombardi
Dr. Don F. Tavares Award
Chemistry

As an experienced Teaching Assistant, Mr. Puerta Lombardi demonstrated independence and initiative in CHEM 431, using his previous teaching experience to engage his students and run the laboratory safely and smoothly. Additionally, the students overwhelmingly appreciated Mr. Puerta’s knowledge and friendliness, his approachability at all times, as well as his ability to explain concepts and guide through the laboratory protocols. His ability to “lead” the class and provide clear expectations were specifically mentioned in his teaching evaluations.

Rachel Nottrodt
Jim & Josie Gray Award
Geoscience

Ms. Nottrodt was a Teaching Assistant for a section in GLGY 493 and two sections in GLGY202. Rachel received glowing reviews from students in all sections, strongly agreeing on her success in all aspects of her TA ship. She is well spoken and knowledgeable about the topics. Furthermore, her students appreciated how helpful and patient Rachel was when answering lab questions and explaining course material. Her amazing positive and encouraging attitude made a “great year” and “everything you can ask for in a TA.”

Sophia Roth
Dr. Don F. Tavares Award
Chemistry

Ms. Roth has been a Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry department for a number of years. To her students, she was always prepared, gave clear and understandable guidance, was knowledgeable, approachable and helpful, acted with integrity and respect, and provided useful comments on graded work. Her teaching methods encouraged and supported her students in gaining valuable skills related to critical thinking to enhance learning. Sophia's ongoing support of other course TA’s, her willingness to speak-up during meetings, her thoughtful contributions towards how all TA’s could facilitate student learning, and her contributions to the ongoing development of laboratory materials makes her worthy of the Dr. Don F. Tavares Award.

James Steele
Fred A. McKinnon Award
Mathematics and Statistics

Mr. Steele was the Teaching Assistant for the MATH 211 tutorial class. Feedback from James’s students underscored his commitment to ensuring students understood the concepts in practice and theory. His willingness to explain course content in an easy and accessible manner was appreciated by his class. By providing consistent and exceptional teaching support, James is an amazing teaching assistant, who helped students gain deeper understanding of the materials they were learning.

Kendra Ann Wannamaker
Fred A. McKinnon Award
Computer Science

Kendra Wannamaker was an exceptional teaching assistant (TA) in the Department of Computer Science. Viewed by her students as a dedicated and caring TA, she consistently received exceptional student feedback scores and comments. She was often described by her students and the professors she worked with as a technically skilled TA who possesses broad and deep understanding of algorithmic thinking as well as applications. Kendra is a passionate educator who has outstanding skills in communicating the material to students in ways that appeal to all students at different levels and of different learning styles. She has genuine interest in assisting students and guiding their learning. Kendra is a good listener and an effective team player. She is attentive to aligning her tutorials to the course outcomes.