Ontario Tech honours exemplary faculty serving as graduate student supervisors

A research thesis is some of the most challenging and important work a master’s or PhD student will ever complete. Pursuing a graduate degree requires academic vigour and perseverance as the student develops new and deep research insights into a single topic. While much of this research is pursued independently, graduate students also rely on the unwavering support and guidance they receive from the faculty member who becomes their graduate supervisor.

“Graduate student supervisors play an integral role in the completion of students’ master’s or doctoral degree,” says Langis Roy, PhD, Dean, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Ontario Tech University. “They inspire, make themselves available for consultation and feedback, provide academic and career guidance, and offer advice on publishing, presenting, and securing funding opportunities. We often hear stories of supervisors who support their students beyond graduation, offering advice and mentorship long after their supervisory role has concluded.”

At its second-annual Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision reception in December, Ontario Tech celebrated faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the graduate students they supervise. Nominees must represent excellence in quality of supervision and mentorship that enables graduate students to become highly successful scholars and professionals. This year, seven faculty members representing six faculties received nominations from their peers and graduate students.

2019 award winner

Meghann Lloyd, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, was this year’s recipient. As one nominator described Dr. Lloyd: “Much of what sets Dr. Lloyd apart as a supervisor and mentor is her passion and enthusiasm for her research and training the next generation of students. As a supervisor, she consistently goes above and beyond to provide opportunities for her students.”

The university will nominate Dr. Lloyd for the 2020 Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship (Canada Association for Graduate Studies) and the 2019-2020 Geoffrey Marshall Mentoring Award 2019-2020 (Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools).

“This award means more to me than any award I have ever received,” says Dr. Lloyd. “My grad students are intelligent, hard-working, compassionate, empathetic and amazing. I am proud and honoured to be their supervisor.”

Congratulations to all faculty members recognized with nominations (selected nominator comments embedded with each name):

• Carla Cesaroni, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

  “Dr. Cesaroni is compassionate and understanding; when working on any project she provides fast and effective feedback, and she pushes me to do my best in a way that is supportive and challenging.”

  “Dr. Cesaroni recognizes the strengths of her students; after all, we are all different, and she works to provide each of us with opportunities that will suit our interests and our strengths.”

• Bradley Easton, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Science

  “The quality of Dr. Easton’s supervision is unmatched. He provides endless mentorship to his students at all times, not only academically, but professionally as well.”

  “Dr. Easton was understanding and supportive throughout my personal struggles and never made me feel as though they were insurmountable. He struck the perfect balance between supporting my mental health and encouraging me to continue on with my degree.”

• Khalil El-Khatib, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology

  “Dr. El-Khatib regularly helps [his students] find co-op and internship opportunities, sends them to conferences and workshops, and arranges for them to work on industry projects with his research partners in order to give them a better understanding of today’s real-world challenges.”

  “Dr. El-Khatib is capable of inspiring students to fulfil their dreams, and when they sometimes fall from climbing too high, he is there to pick them up, dust them off and set them on course.”

• Hossam Gaber, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science

  “Dr. Gaber appreciated and understood that for an individual to be effective in their academic pursuits, they need all other aspects of life to be in good shape.”

  “Dr. Gaber was always available to discuss my research progress with me and always made valuable and insightful suggestions that enhanced the quality of my work. A positive aspect of his supervision was the speed with which he gave feedback on our work.”

• Hossam Kishawy, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

  “Dr. Kishawy demonstrates great enthusiasm in cultivating and nourishing innovation and creativity in his students. He always encourages me to develop practice-based skills and show authenticity in my research.”

  “Dr. Kishawy motivates his students to expand their knowledge and turn their ideas into reality through direct and indirect supervision to ensure they reach their goals.”

• Meghann Lloyd, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences*

  “Much of what sets Dr. Lloyd apart as a supervisor and mentor is her passion and enthusiasm for her research and in training the next generation of students. As a supervisor, she consistently goes above and beyond to provide opportunities for her students.”

  “Dr. Lloyd has mastered the art of communicating constructively, and in my opinion, this is one of her most valuable qualities as a graduate supervisor: one that separates her from the rest.”

  “The quality of supervision and mentorship Dr. Lloyd provided has inspired me to be the best scholar and professional I can possibly be.”

  “Dr. Lloyd’s responsiveness to her students’ needs is unlike any other; I was pushed when I needed to be pushed, and I was given time and space when I needed it most.”

• Sheldon Williamson, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

  “Dr. Williamson is a one-of-a-kind individual with a rare mix of qualities to influence and motivate future generations. He always remained an open book in front of his students, nurturing them to become confident and mature individuals.”

  “Dr. Williamson’s mentorship has helped me develop my confidence and face the toughest interviews by prospective employers and customers at work.”

* denotes 2019 winner

Gallery

Previous media items Next media items