Laurier recognizes student teachers with awards of excellence

May 8, 2019
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University is recognizing four outstanding student teachers with the university's Laurier Student Teaching Award of Excellence.

The awards program recognizes the diverse ways that Laurier undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students positively impact the learning experience and development of their peers in the roles as teachers. Winners receive their awards at upcoming convocation ceremonies.

Recipients of the 2019 Laurier Student Teaching Award of Excellence include:

Undergraduate category: Dana Sowa, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Paul Ling, Faculty of Education

Sowa is completing a Bachelor of Science with a focus on biochemistry and biotechnology. Sowa has been teaching as an instructional assistant, a supplemental instruction leader and time management strategist.

“Bringing together both my passion for chemistry and teaching, and helping other students has always been something I wanted to do,” said Sowa. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to my department, as well as the teaching and learning supports available here at Laurier.”

Ling, a Bachelor of Education candidate and National Geographic certified educator, supports peers’ personal and professional development through acts of mentorship, advocacy and leadership both inside and outside the classroom.

“Being honoured by my fellow students in this way affirms for me that my duty as a teacher and colleague, as well as my commitment to service at Laurier, is aptly valued,” said Ling.

Master’s category: Carly Tward, Department of Biology

Tward is pursuing her Master’s of Science in Integrative Biology. She’s worked as an instructional assistant, a teaching assistant and a mentor to undergraduate researchers.

“It is an honour to be the recipient of this award and an even greater honour to know that I was nominated for this award by my students,” said Tward. “This recognition is a testament to the impact that my professors and supervisor at Laurier have had upon me, and the opportunity I have been offered to share their wisdom and ingenuity with my own students.”

Doctoral category: Gehan Senthinathan, Department of Psychology

Senthinathan is a PhD candidate studying behavioural neuroscience and is a course instructor in the Department of Psychology. He’s previously worked as a teaching assistant.

“While putting together my award package, I was overwhelmed by the support of my students, peers, and mentors,” said Senthinathan. “Knowing that I am having an impact on our students means a lot to me. I find teaching very rewarding, so receiving this award is like icing on the cake.”

These student awardees, along with the recipients of the 2019 Donald F. Morgenson Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence and Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Award for Teaching Excellence, will be honoured during a reception taking place May 31 at 11:45 a.m. in the Senate and Board Chamber on Laurier’s Waterloo campus. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by May 27.