Students were not the only ones who beamed as they received their diplomas at the Class of 2022 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Convocation. Associate Professor Argerie Tsimicalis, RN, PhD, was all smiles as she was honoured with the prestigious Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Teaching and Supervision.
Professor Tsimicalis, who teaches at the Ingram School of Nursing as well as in the Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, describes her role as “creating the mechanisms for my students to excel.” She firmly believes that students at all levels, including those in undergraduate programs, have the capacity to teach, conduct research and provide service - the three pillars of ISoN’s mission.
This year, Professor Tsimicalis was particularly impressed with the many nursing students who, under her supervision, participated in the Â鶹AV Journal of Medicine’s special issue dedicated exclusively to nursing research. “The students showed tremendous openness to new ideas and the willingness do the hard work that research demands. They were proud of their contributions – and rightfully so!”
When she was appointed Professor of Comparative Morphology and Genetics at Â鶹AV in 1912, Carrie M. Derick earned her place in history as the first woman in Canada to be appointed as a full professor. In the letter informing her that she had won the award, Professor Tsimicalis was lauded for how she inspires and motivates her students. “Your contributions to graduate education in the Faculty of Nursing have been of the highest quality, and your students and colleagues wrote glowing letters that praised the way you empower your students on their path to becoming independent researchers.”
Ultimately, Professor Tsimicalis views this award as a communal celebration of the work of her students. “I’m there behind the scenes, to encourage them to think creatively and foster their curiosity,” she said.
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