This year’s recipients of Dalhousie’s university-wide teaching awards paint a vivid picture of an institution pushing the boundaries of excellence in student learning.
Nearly 20 educators are being celebrated, with multiple recipients across categories both new and returning. Dal’s top teaching award has been renamed the President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning.
Whether it’s transforming anatomy education or meeting students where they are with flexible teaching formats, this year’s award winners have shown dedication, innovation and leadership in their push to serve students and advance a culture of teaching excellence across the university.
Learn more about this year’s recipients below:
President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning
Dr. Akram Jaffar, a University Teaching Fellow in the Department of Medical Neuroscience, was recognized for his contributions to anatomy education through innovative teaching, a commitment to accessibility, and the creation of open-access learning resources used by learners around the world. His educational leadership, global outreach and mentorship have had a lasting impact on teaching and learning at Dalhousie and beyond.
Dr. Georgia Klein, senior instructor and associate director in Dalhousie’s College of Sustainability, was recognized for contributions to inclusive, student-centred teaching and leadership in advancing innovative learning practices. Through equitable and culturally responsive approaches, flexible HyFlex teaching, and dedicated mentorship, she has helped create meaningful learning experiences that foster student success and belonging.
Dr. Raghav Sampangi, a University Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Computer Science, was recognized for his inclusive and student-centred approach to computing education. Through innovative teaching, inclusive assessment practices, and leadership in curriculum development, he has helped students build both technical expertise and a strong sense of belonging.
Award for Excellence in Education for Equity
Dr. Binod Sundararajan, professor in the Faculty of Management and director of Dalhousie’s Inclusion Foundation, was recognized for his leadership in fostering inclusive learning and workplace environments. Through his work advancing equity, accessibility, neurodiversity, and cross-cultural understanding, he has helped build a culture of trust, respect, and belonging across the Dalhousie community.
Educational Leadership Award for Collaborative Teaching
Interprofessional Education Team
Dr. Cynthia L. Andrews (Faculty of Dentistry), Dr. Diane E. MacKenzie (Faculty of Health), and Dr. Anuradha Mishra (Faculty of Medicine) were recognized for their collaborative leadership in advancing interprofessional education at Dalhousie. Through innovative programming that brings together learners from more than 21 health professions, they have created meaningful learning experiences that strengthen teamwork, communication, and patient-centred care while making a lasting impact on student learning.
Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision
Dr. Sheri Lynn Price, professor and associate director of graduate studies in the School of Nursing, was recognized for her outstanding commitment to graduate student success. Through personalized mentorship, research collaboration, career development opportunities, and dedicated support for international students, she helps learners build the confidence, independence, and skills needed to thrive as scholars and health professionals. Her student-centred approach has had a lasting impact on graduate education and the success of her students.
Award for Excellence in Online/Blended Course Development, Design, and Delivery
Dr. Marie-Soleil Beaudoin and Dr. Joshua Slysz were recognized for their innovative approach to online and blended learning and their commitment to student success. Through thoughtfully designed, evidence-based learning experiences, they have created engaging and accessible courses that promote active learning, critical thinking, and student engagement. Their focus on course design, organization, and the overall student experience has had a meaningful impact on teaching and learning in the Faculty of Medicine.
Early Career Faculty Award of Excellence for Teaching
Dr. Spring Farrell, a senior instructor in the Department of Pharmacology, was recognized for her commitment to inclusive, student-centred teaching and the creation of equitable learning experiences. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), her innovative teaching practices and contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning have helped advance educational excellence within and beyond Dalhousie.
Dr. Alana Westwood, associate professor in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, was recognized for her educational leadership and commitment to experiential, collaborative learning. Through innovative teaching, mentorship, and partnerships with external organizations, she prepares students to address complex environmental challenges while fostering inclusion, equity, and community.
Nadine Ezzeddine, an instructor in the School of Nursing, was recognized for her commitment to creating inclusive, accessible, and student-centred learning environments. Through evidence-informed teaching, mentorship, and advocacy, she empowers students to think critically and develop as future health professionals.
President’s Graduate/Undergraduate Student Teaching Award
Chris Latimer, a graduate student in the Department of Oceanography, was recognized for her exceptional promise as an educator and her dedication to student learning and mentorship. Through hands-on learning experiences, research supervision, and an engaging teaching approach, she helps students build scientific skills, confidence, and curiosity.
Diego Fernando López Restrepo, a PhD candidate in Mathematics, was recognized for his outstanding commitment to student learning and his ability to make mathematics engaging and accessible. Through clear instruction, individualized support, and a student-centred teaching approach, he helps students build confidence, independence, and resilience.
Sessional and Part-time Instructor Award for Excellence in Teaching
Ben Collison, a PhD candidate and sessional instructor in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, was recognized for his innovative, student-centred approach to teaching and mentorship. Through experiential learning opportunities and curriculum development, he helps students develop the practical skills needed to address real-world environmental challenges.
Rachelle McKay, an Anishinaabe educator in Dalhousie’s Indigenous Studies Program, was recognized for her values-driven approach to teaching that centres Indigenous knowledges, relational accountability, and critical engagement. Her commitment to inclusive learning, relational pedagogy, and elevating diverse perspectives has had a profound impact on student learning and belonging.
Contract and Limited‑term Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Luc Cousineau, a faculty member in the School of Health and Human Performance, was recognized for his exceptional educational leadership and student-centred approach to teaching. Through experiential learning, evidence-informed practices, and a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, he has made a significant impact on student success and teaching excellence at Dalhousie.
Dr. Erin Sephton, a physician assistant, educator, and clinical leader in the Faculty of Medicine, was recognized for her outstanding educational leadership and dedication to preparing future healthcare professionals. Through experiential learning opportunities, meaningful mentorship, and strong connections between classroom learning and clinical practice, she helps students build the skills and confidence needed for professional success.
Know an instructor who deserves recognition? Consider nominating them for a 2027 departmental, faculty, or university-wide teaching award.