The two outstanding Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences educators were honoured during the Spring Convocation ceremonies.
Terry Hébert, PhD, Assistant Dean, Biomedical Science Education, has been chosen for the David Thomson Award for Graduate Supervision and Teaching. Prof. Hébert, who is also Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics as well as Director of the McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, was recognized by his students and peers for his outstanding contributions to promoting graduate student excellence as a supervisor and teacher over the years.
“It is humbling to receive any sort of recognition for teaching, since it is not something I was ever trained to do,” says Prof. Hébert. “It is even more humbling when your students nominate you for an award like the David Thomson Award. It means the people who need me to be a good teacher can see that I am trying.”
Prof. Hébert’s colleagues and former and current students cited his generous offering of individualized support, wide-ranging opportunities for academic growth and networking and valuable mentorship to students, while also encouraging creativity and experimentation in his lab. Prof. Hébert’s impressive contributions to graduate studies and efforts to develop Graduate Certificate programs will have a positive impact on the training of emerging scholars in his department for years to come.
Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, PT, PhD, Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Program in the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, was chosen as the winner of the Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Supervision and Teaching, nominated and selected by her students and peers.
“Receiving the Carrie M. Derick Award for Graduate Teaching and Supervision is deeply meaningful to me,” says Prof. Janaudis-Ferreira. “I’ve always made it a priority to create a supportive, connected learning environment where students feel valued and empowered.”
Prof. Janaudis-Ferreira’s students and colleagues offered tributes to her impressive ability to instill feelings of belonging and self-confidence in her grad students. The stimulating, well-connected research team that she has created is an ideal environment in which graduate students may become the well-rounded, dedicated and independent researchers of tomorrow.
“Academia can be a demanding space, where recognition and reward often come slowly,” she adds, “so I believe reducing stress is essential to meaningful learning. I try my best to support not only the academic success of my students but also their personal growth. I’m truly honoured to have been nominated by my colleagues at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, supported by my students, and recognized by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.”
Related
Health Sciences B Ceremony program (includes Tania Janaudis-Ferreira bio) and recording
Sciences A Ceremony program (includes Terry Hébert bio) and recording