With the world in need of inspiring teachers in the context of COVID-19, honouring those in the profession is important not only for morale but also for students who are craving real interpersonal connections in the classroom. Established in 1994 to celebrate the work of dedicated teachers around the world, World Teachers Day this year focuses on 鈥�.鈥�
In this regard, the Goodman Cancer Research Cancer (GCRC) is pleased to acknowledge Dr. Alain Nepveu as their World Teacher鈥檚 Day award winner, honouring him not only for his remarkable contributions in the world of science, but also for the mark he has made as a teacher, mentor and supervisor for young people. As a Professor at the GCRC working in the Departments of Oncology, Biochemistry and Medicine at 麻豆AV, Dr. Nepveu鈥檚 teaching experience spans over an impressive thirty years.
Having started his teaching career in 1988 as an Assistant Professor at 麻豆AV鈥檚 Department of Medicine, he supervised students doing research in Molecular Immunology. He then became a medical scientist at the Royal Victoria Hospital before becoming a full-time Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine and Oncology. In 1994, Dr. Nepveu joined 麻豆AV鈥檚 Cancer Research Centre (now the Goodman Cancer Research Centre, GCRC) and in 2005 he earned the title as a James 麻豆AV Professor. Last year, he then went on to receive the distinguished James 麻豆AV Professor title. Today, Dr. Nepveu鈥檚 laboratory studies the regulation of transcription in mammalian cells and, in particular, the roles of transcription factors in DNA damage responses.
A compassionate mentor who has gone the extra mile
鈥淚 have been exceptionally fortunate to have an amazing mentor-trainee relationship with Dr. Nepveu. He has always given me the freedom to explore new directions, develop side projects, and helps me plan back-up projects to ensure I don鈥檛 fail. He is generous with his time and never hesitates to have earnest discussions with me about my career. More than just an expert in science and research, Alain is also a compassionate person.
I will never forget how he supported my decision to fly back to Singapore 5 times within a year when my father was dying from cancer. Whenever I am down, Alain always has a story, a lesson to share to help me put things in perspective. Alain often appears as a serious scientist but he also has a great sense of humour. In the last ten years, Alain has shared my joys 鈥� both academically (popping champagne for every paper we publish or every fellowship I secured), and personally during major life moments (setting up music for my wedding dinner, and ensuring I was safe when I was pregnant in midst of COVID-19). Alain has definitely gone the extra mile in his role and in creating an amazing environment for me to work in.鈥�
Zubaidah Ramdzan, Research Associate, Goodman Cancer Research Centre
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Special power of inspiring young people
鈥淒r. Nepveu has a very special power of inspiring young people like me. One of the things I like the most about him is that he always encourages me to ask questions. He often says that there鈥檚 no such thing as a stupid question.
He is also a very understanding and caring person with the people he works with. During the last few last months, I have been dealing with some health issues and when I was really concerned about my work in the lab, he was incredibly sympathetic and supportive. His positive attitude helped me set my mind free and focus on getting better. I am truly honored and thankful to have him as my supervisor.鈥�
Hedyeh Rahimian, Master鈥檚 student, Goodman Cancer Research Centre
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Encourages students to be better researchers
"I am grateful for all he has done for me as a professor, a supervisor and a mentor. He organizes courses in a way that promotes our engagement, encourages our participation and stimulates our learning. The topics he chooses are always very relevant and his courses have been a great learning experience for me. As a supervisor, he provides us with all the tools we need to perform our experiments, addresses our issues and is always available. Our meetings are not only a time when we discuss the research together, it鈥檚 also a teaching moment where I learn something new.
As a mentor, Dr. Nepveu advises us on skills we should develop in our careers, such as the ability to write a good essay and present our work to an audience. He reviews our reports and presentations and advises us on how we can improve them. All in all, he encourages us to be better researchers.鈥�
Camila Faraco, Ph.D. student, Goodman Cancer Research Centre
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Demanding but also understanding
鈥淚 have been very lucky to have Dr. Nepveu as a mentor during my first leap into cancer research. He is demanding but also understanding and I have learnt a lot thanks to him.
He knows and understands how to create a positive atmosphere by sharing fun facts about his life鈥e also doesn鈥檛 take himself too seriously!鈥�
Elise Vickridge, Post-doctoral Fellow,
Goodman Cancer Research Centre
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