Five educators from four 鶹AV faculties will be presented with a President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching at the Fall Convocation ceremonies on December 2. Created in 2000, the award honours outstanding teaching and its vital contribution to students’ academic experience.
“While 鶹AV is a research-focused university, teaching excellence is also at the core of what we do,” said 鶹AV President Deep Saini. “This award celebrates members of our community who possess exceptional pedagogical skills and an unwavering commitment to 鶹AV’s students. The recipients embody the highest standards in teaching, advising and mentorship.”
Associate Professor category: Gabriel Venne
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Gabriel Venne, DO, PhD, recipient of the 2024 student-nominated Osler Award for Outstanding Teacher, is praised for creating an engaging learning environment that fosters belonging and intellectual curiosity. He is known as approachable, with an innovative, student-centred teaching style that encourages students to take ownership of their learning. His leadership in curriculum reform, including integrating two courses into the undergraduate program and launching the “teach-the-teacher” initiative, has been highly successful.
“Prof. Venne’s enthusiasm and positive attitude make learning a joy,” said one student. “He promotes a positive and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that his students feel welcome and capable of achieving excellence. His kindness and genuine interest in connecting with his students distinguish him as an educator who truly makes a difference.”
Course Lecturer category: Anja Burmeister
Department of Performance, Schulich School of Music
Anja Burmeister is praised for empowering students to express themselves artistically and intellectually, fostering a lasting sense of community in her classroom. An internationally recognized German diction coach, she has worked with the San Francisco Opera and Houston Grand Opera, as well as the Marlboro Festival. Strauss continually develops new content for her courses. In recognition of her commitment to student success, she received the 2024 Schulich School of Music Teaching Award in the Course Lecturer category.
“Throughout my time in Anja’s classes, I was consistently inspired by her kindness, support and encouragement as a pedagogue,” said one student. “Her genuine passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to student success make her an exceptional educator.”
Faculty Lecturer category: Rosalie Bélanger-Rioux
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science
Rosalie Bélanger-Rioux is known for her commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in mathematics. Teaching large cohorts, she has developed strategies to address misconceptions, clarify expectations and promote good study habits. As Chair of the Equity, Outreach, and Student Well-being Committee, Bélanger-Rioux has become a leader on equity issues, raising awareness about stereotype threat, active bystanding, and microaggressions at 鶹AV and international conferences. She also contributes to mathematics pedagogy discussions, online teaching workshops and graduate student mentoring, showcasing her dedication to professional development and mentorship.
“Overall, Rosalie always emphasises the importance of developing a community of practice: people who learn from each other and are resources for each other,” said one student. “She embodies this to the utmost degree and has genuinely contributed to my 鶹AV experience and life trajectory in ways beyond words.”
Assistant Professor category: Adrian Liu
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science
is highly respected for his research and teaching, particularly his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Praised for his compassionate mentoring, Liu uses strategies that support all learners, especially marginalized students. He has made key contributions to the Physics curriculum and, as Chair of the Outreach and EDI Committees, has invited speakers on topics like women in science and supporting underrepresented students. In 2020, Liu became the youngest recipient of the Department of Physics’ John David Jackson Teaching Award.
“Prof. Liu is honestly the best teacher I have ever had,” said one student. “He prioritizes the student’s understanding more than any teacher I’ve seen, and this makes me personally enjoy the material a lot more. … He doesn’t just expect you to succeed, he wants you to succeed.”
Full Professor category: Juliet Johnson
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts
Juliet Johnson is praised for her innovative teaching, diverse methods and ability to adapt courses to shifting political contexts. Both colleagues and students commend her dedication to connecting undergraduates with research and supporting them through challenging parts of their degree. A highly sought-after advisor and mentor, she created the Arts Dissertation Writing Workshop to help Arts PhD students finish their dissertations on time.
“Even before I took Russian and Soviet Politics, I already knew of Prof. Johnson’s reputation for teaching excellence,” said one student. “Multiple friends had recommended her class to me, stating it was informative and engaging, and that Professor Johnson’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious. If anything, these recommendations understated the extent of Professor Johnson’s teaching skills.”
Photo: Prof. Gabriel Venne receives the President's Prize for Excellence in Teaching from 鶹AV President Deep Saini
