How does some one get showcased?
The Centre for Teaching and Learning regularly showcases inspiring faculty, staff, and student members of the Trent University community. In order to be featured in the showcase series, individuals or groups should meet one or more of the following criteria:
- They have demonstrated innovative approaches to teaching and/or learning in or beyond the classroom
- They have been involved in developing, leading, or supporting exceptional teaching and learning opportunities
- They have a demonstrated track record of facilitating significant learning and development opportunities for faculty, staff, or students
- Their work has helped to create and/or enhance dynamic and supportive environments for teaching and learning
- They have been engaged in notable scholarship on teaching and learning
- They have shown a noteworthy commitment to maximizing the quality of their teaching and/or learning
Suggestions for the showcase series can be sent to teaching@trentu.ca. Please include information on how the suggested individuals or groups meet or exceed the above criteria.
March 2020
Else Marie Knudsen
Engaging students by bringing critical theory alive in the classroom
Else Marie Knudsen, a professor in the newly accredited department of Social Work, loves teaching the large first year Intro to Social Work and Social Welfare classes offered at both Durham and Peterborough campuses. As a former front line Social Worker and Policy Analyst within the criminal justice system, Dr. Knudsen teaches through her lived experiences as well as case studies to bring complex and often challenging topics alive in the classroom. She embraces the use of technology and personal devices to further engage her students, elicit student voice, and to generate the kind of critical conversations her courses are known for. Dr. Knudsen is passionate about teaching new social work professionals and helping her students to develop anti-oppressive pedagogies and critical thinking skills that will aid them as they challenge social barriers in their communities.
Professor, Social Work | Former Policy Analyst | Front-line Worker | Criminal Justice Researcher
» Watch Else's video interview
February 2020
Betty Carr-Braint
Passionate advocate for Indigenous knowledges and equity
Betty Carr-Braint, Cultural Advisor and Indigenous Counsellor with First Peoples House of Learning, dedicates herself to the Trent community by offering a diverse portfolio of programs and services. Providing counselling support and traditional cultural experiences for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, Betty also works with Elders to provide council and teachings across all degree programs, as seen through her coordination of the Traditional Area and as lead organizer for Trent’s annual Elder’s Gathering. Betty is inspired by the opportunity to help students remember who they are through ceremony, time on the land, and heart-centered learning. She continues to be a passionate advocate for Indigenous knowledges and equity, as well as personal and inter-personal healing here at Trent.
Cultural Advisor | Indigenous Counselor | Elders Council Organizer | Traditional Area Coordinator
» Watch Betty's video interview
December 2019
Yllka Bojku
Passionately committed to equal opportunity education and wellness for international students
As a 3rd year joint major Math and Computer Science student, Yllka Bojku is committed to inclusivity and access to education for her fellow international and refugee students. Recognized for her dedication and concern for gender equality and mental wellbeing, Yllka is committed to giving back to the Trent community through her various peer mentorship and leadership roles including serving as co-chair of WUSC at Trent - Student Refugee Program. She credits her ongoing success here at Trent to the individual concern and personalized support she receives from her professors and looks forward to using her degree to continue her work supporting women in the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Joint Mathematics/Computer Science Major | Social Justice Advocate | Refugee Program Leader | Soroptimist International of Europe - STEM Scholarship Recipient
» Watch Yllka's video interview
November 2019
Kristy Buccieri
Employing real-world scenarios to explain complex concepts
Associate Professor with the Department of Sociology, Kristy Buccieri tackles issues that deal with homelessness, social policy, and illness. Employing real-world scenarios and interesting examples to explain complex concepts, Dr. Buccieri inspires her students to think differently as they move through the world and regularly sees the personal impact of her methods when students excitedly make connections to current events. She values the diversity in each of her classes and continues to collaborate with colleagues to undertake innovative avenues to teaching and learning at Trent.
Associate Professor, Sociology | Engaging Professor | Inspirational Teacher | Community Advocate
» Watch Kristy's video interview
October 2019
Deb Earle
Supporting and engaging with students at Trent
As an alumna and staff member of Trent for 30 years, Deb Earle continues to guide students toward reaching their goals. As an Academic Advisor and Placement Coordinator in the School of Business, Deb remains passionate about the faculty, staff and students at Trent, embracing the challenges of the academic world each day. As a fixture in the Trent and Peterborough community, Deb will tell you that she still learns the most from her interactions with students, and it’s what she loves most about being at Trent.
Academic Advisor | Placement Coordinator | Passionate Community Member | Supporter of Student Success
» Watch Deb's video interview
April 2019
Richard Hurley
Building confidence and skills in undergraduate and graduate students
Teaching courses in programming, digital logic, automata theory, and modelling and simulation, Richard Hurley has dedicated over 25 years to continuously refining his approach to facilitating student learning. Richard’s teaching style integrates relevant examples, student questions, and important technologies to maximize student learning and provide students with opportunities to gain experience in practical problem solving.
Faculty Member, Computing & Information Systems | Applied Learning Adherent | Interactive Educator | Distributed Systems Expert
» Watch Richard's video interview
March 2019
Christine Goodwin-De Faria
Sparking enthusiasm and passion in students at Trent Durham GTA
Deeply committed to empowering students to make a difference in the world, Christine Goodwin-De Faria teaches courses on topics such as Child Rights and Legal Issues, Professional Ethics and Risk Management, and Imagination and Child and Youth Culture. Christine is known for providing extensive guidance, mentorship, and feedback, for integrating numerous examples, case studies, guest speakers, and experiential opportunities into her teaching, and for inspiring students to apply their learning in and beyond the classroom.
Faculty Member, Child & Youth Studies | CUPE Instructor | Insightful Educator | Youth Justice Specialist
» Watch Christine's video interview
April 2018
Charmaine Rodrick
Helping students succeed in their career searches and transitions
Providing advice and support to students at Trent University, Charmaine Rodrick assists with all aspects of employment preparation, including résumés, cover letters, and interviews. Working with faculty members and departments, Charmaine also delivers customized workshops that help students identify and express the experiences and expertise they have developed throughout their learning.
Career Resource Advisor | Résumé Reviewer | Cover Letter Consultant | Employment Exploration Expert
» Watch Charmaine's video interview
March 2018
Drake Sullivan
Applying critical perspectives to contemporary ethical questions
Pursuing an emphasis in Applied Ethics, Drake Sullivan examines pressing issues related to the structure of the state and how people ought to act in classes such as Philosophy of Law, Justice and Rights, and Biomedical Ethics. Planning to attending law school in the fall, Drake looks forward to relating his philosophical knowledge to practical concerns in areas such as Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, and Criminal Law.
Philosophy Student | Applied Ethicist | Trent Durham Philosophy President | Former Varsity Soccer Player
» Watch Drake's video interview
January 2018
Erica Nol
Instilling a sense of discovery about the natural world
Teaching a range of courses from a first-year Biology course, Foundations of Biodiversity, to a graduate-level statistics course, Research Design and Data Analysis, Erica Nol carefully customizes how she teaches based on the course and the level of the students. Building on decades of experience as a teacher, researcher, and mentor, Erica equips students with the tools they need to develop as scientists and as effective communicators of environmental knowledge.
Faculty Member, Biology | Department Chair | Ornithologist | Arctic Researcher
» Watch Erica's video interview
December 2017
Erin Hayward
Envisioning integrated approaches to healthy environments and communities
Collaborating on a community based research project with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Erin Hayward examines how wastewater inputs into rivers and streams impact aquatic organisms, with a particular focus on freshwater mussel species living downstream of wastewater treatment facilities. Erin combines her work as an Environmental and Life Sciences graduate student with extensive community engagement and leadership, including being involved with the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) Youth Program, Indigenous Friendship Centres, and nationally recognized youth driven reconciliation initiatives like the 4R’s Youth Movement.
Kanien’keha:ka, Turtle Clan | M.Sc. Student | Hand Drum Carrier | 3M National Student Fellow
» Watch Erin's video interview
November 2017
Melanie Sedge
Building communities of academic and social connection and support
Bringing together students, faculty, staff, and alumni, Melanie Sedge facilitates vibrant social and intellectual programming and interactions at Champlain College. Collaborating with the other College Heads, Melanie works to create learning and engagement opportunities for on and off-campus students at the Colleges and across Trent University.
Head of Champlain College | Student Experience Facilitator | 3 Minute Paper Organizer | Canoe Tripper
» Watch Melanie's video interview
October 2017
Philip Giurlando & Hasmet Uluorta
Helping students develop theoretical toolkits that enable conscious engagement with concrete global concerns
Philip Giurlando teaches in a way that aims to inspire enthusiasm for politics while helping students connect current events to broader historical and geographical contexts. Hasmet Uluorta, cross-appointed with International Development Studies, is dedicated to teaching that creates accessible and dynamic scholarly communities that foster curiosity and reflection about the political and economic state of the world.
Political Studies Faculty Members | World Politics Instructors | Course Design Collaborators | Synergistic Colleagues
» Watch Hasmet and Philip's video interview
May 2017
Jessica Randall
Continuing a legacy of exemplary teaching and learning
Acknowledging the outstanding History teachers she has had in high school and university, Jessica Randall looks forward to bringing similar inspiration and creativity to the classrooms of the future. Recognizing the many positive ways she has learned and changed over her time at Trent, Jessica credits faculty, staff, and peers for having supported and nurtured her growth and success.
History Student | College Cabinet Leader | Student Group President | Last Lecture Speaker
» Watch Jessica's video interview
April 2017
Michael Hickson
Combining classical and innovative pedagogies
Sharing his passion for learning with his students, Michael Hickson fosters dialogue and debate as a part of the enriching experience of engaging with authors from past ages. Using current events and a case-based approach as ways of teaching moral principles and ethical theories, Michael facilitates students gaining informed judgements about what’s going on in the world and a desire to do something about it.
Philosophy Faculty Member | History of Philosophy Specialist | Applied Ethics Instructor | Current Events Aficionado
» Watch Michael's video interview
February 2017
Robert Loney
Providing expertise in practical applications of environmental techniques
Applying his technical and organizational acumen, Robert Loney helps to administer classes, produce course materials, organize and maintain equipment, and deliver graphical and computer support. As part of the teaching team for courses such as Cases in Environmental Science and Studies and Introduction to Geographical Information Systems, Robert helps students learn the knowledge and skills that will allow them to engage with complex environmental problems with a sense of hope and confidence.
Demonstrator/Technician | School of the Environment Team Member | Laboratory Manual Creator | Talented Photographer
» Watch Rob's video here
December 2016
Haddon Rabb
Furthering research and practice in emergency medical response
Co-writing an article on the patterns and rates of injuries in obstacle course racing, Haddon Rabb is immersed in working to understand contributing factors and trends in the incidence and severity of medical emergencies. Through his involvement on and off campus, including his former leadership of the Trent University Emergency First Response Team and his role as an integral member of the Eastern Canada Spartan Race medical team, Haddon applies his learning and research to strengthen the quality of emergency medical assistance and care.
Biology Student | Former Director, TUEFRT | Community Outreach Volunteer | Compassionate Leader
» View Haddon's video here
November 2016
Sita A. Gardner
Raising the bar for student learning and achievement
Helping students make sense of global events, Sita A. Gardner uses an inclusive, interactive pedagogical approach to engage students in developing a healthy curiosity about the world while learning to think critically and extend themselves academically. Applying her research on the linkages between economics and politics, including the manifold ramifications of globalisation, Sita teaches students about international relations and U.S. and Canadian foreign policy and challenges them to pursue how they can be instrumental in affecting constructive change in the world.
Global Power and Politics Faculty Member | CUPE Instructor | Foreign Policy Specialist | Human Trafficking Researcher
» Watch Sita Gardner's video here
September 2016
Jessica Lee
Helping students consider and embark on studies in Education
Recruiting and managing the enrolment of prospective Education students, Jessica Lee provides expertise, guidance, and support throughout the applications and admissions process. Through her many touchpoints at Trent, including as a staff member, a Master of Education student, and an Alumni Council member, Jessica helps enrich engagement in many different contexts of formal and informal learning.
Education Enrolment Advisor | Community Builder | M.Ed. Student | Alumni Council Vice President
» Watch Jessica Lee's video here
Michael Jorgensen
Integrating academic and athletic pursuits
Researching the psychology of concussion prevention and injury management, Michael Jorgensen focuses on understanding the stories and motivations of competitive athletes. Building on his experiences as a researcher and athlete at Trent, as well as on the skills developed through an internship at Rugby Ontario and volunteer work at Rugby Canada, Michael is committed to developing rugby as a sport and making competitive sport safer for all athletes.
Graduate Student | Concussion Researcher | Teaching Award Nominee | Varsity Rugby Player
» Watch Mike Jorgensen's video here
March 2016
Jane Mackie
Challenging students to become successful and independent learners
Providing students with the resources and supports needed to excel in life sciences at Trent, Jane Mackie creates opportunities for students to immerse themselves in challenging content. Using teaching approaches including flipped classrooms, case studies, and group discussions, Jane scaffolds learning experiences to help students become strong life-long learners.
Nursing Faculty Member | Pharmacologist | Nursing Education Researcher | Flipped Classroom Instructor
» Watch Jane Mackie's video here
January 2016
Ian Thomson
Facilitating the integration of technology into teaching and learning
Working as part of the Learning Technology Team along with Jeff Gardiner and Chris Los, Ian Thomson provides expertise and support in the use of technology in teaching and learning at Trent. Managing and monitoring the performance of tools such as Blackboard and Panopto, Ian ensures that appropriate technologies are easy for faculty and students to integrate into the educational experience.
Instructional Technology Specialist | Learning Management System Administrator | Digital Tools Advisor | College Instructor
»Watch Ian Thomson's video here
December 2015
Betelhem Wondimu
Envisioning policies for economic empowerment
Looking at the numbers, Betelhem processes statistics as part of her research into correlations between social and economic disparities. Passionate about the platform that Trent provides for transformative learning and critical dialogues in and outside of the classroom, Betelhem’s interest in policy development and leadership involvements on campus have already had noticeable impacts at local and provincial levels.
International Development Studies and Economics Student | Microdata Analyzer | International Recruitment Assistant | Alumni Award Recipient
»Watch Betelhem Wondimu's video here
October 2015
Dan Longboat
Inspiring students to be hopeful visionaries
Honouring the tremendous responsibility and privilege of being a teacher, Dan Longboat helps students develop broader, richer, and deeper understandings of the beautiful intricacies of the world around them, and their connections to, relationships with, and responsibility for themselves, their families, their communities, and the environment. Drawing on traditional Haudenosaunee knowledge, Dan teaches the importance of valuing the interactions of multiple knowledge systems, and the necessity of applying creative, innovative, and integrative thinking to develop real solutions to complex and compounded environmental issues.
Roronhiake:wen (He Clears the Sky) | Indigenous Studies Faculty Member | Director, Indigenous Environmental Studies | Transformative Teacher
»Watch Dan Longboat's video about teaching
September 2015
Erin Stewart Eves, Dana Capell, Andrea Maxie, & Mary Ann Armstrong
Empowering students to improve and excel in their studies
Consulting in person and online, Erin, Dana, Andrea, and Mary Ann help undergraduate and graduate students develop and enhance skills and strategies for academic success, and provide offerings such as an academic integrity module, an academic mentoring program, online resources, and in-class workshops.
Academic Skills Instructors | Writing Consultants | Time Management Mentors | Study Tips Specialists
»Watch the Academic Skills team video
June 2015
Rhonda Smith
Fostering passion and knowledge about forensics and the law
Teaching about Canadian legal frameworks and contexts, Rhonda Smith asks probing questions that draw students at Trent into critical conversations about complex concepts. Creating lively and interactive classroom environments, Rhonda helps students understand the legal system and their potential roles in the world of law.
Forensic Science Faculty Member | Engaging Instructor | Experienced Lawyer | Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator
»Watch Rhonda's Showcase Video
May 2015
Kate MacIsaac
Providing support to students in crisis
Supporting crisis management and prevention for students, Kate MacIsaac helps Trent students build on their own strengths and resilience to find relief in the midst of challenging times. Through the education and information she provides, and through the Student Support Certificate program she manages, Kate also helps enhance the capacity of faculty and staff to support students in times of distress.
Student Crisis Response Coordinator | Resiliency Advocate | Workshop Leader | Capacity Builder
»Watch Kate's Showcase Video
March 2015
Cornel Grey
Exploring narratives and negotiated identities
Combining the study of literary texts with sociological analysis, Cornel investigates how individuals and groups navigate the cultural contexts of different settings and societies. Having been involved in many ways at Trent has allowed Cornel to make deep connections between learning environments and social environments, which is motivating his desire to continue working in post-secondary education after finishing his degree.
English Literature and Sociology Student | Thesis Writer | Interdisciplinary Scholar | College Life Programmer
»Watch Cornel's Showcase Video
Blaise Gelinas
Combining classroom and extracurricular learning
Maximizing his learning at Trent through his involvement in learning, research, and volunteer activities, Blaise Gelinas is focusing his attentions on the psychology of addictive behaviours, with a plan to incorporate counselling and clinical research into his future endeavours.
Trent Durham Psychology Student | Empathetic Listener | Peer Mentor | Distress Centre Volunteer
»Watch Blaise's Showcase Video
Librarians Dwayne Collins, Ellen Olsen-Lynch & Jean Luyben
Charting pathways to information resources
Helping students and faculty at Trent navigate the journey of information search and retrieval, Dwayne, Jean, and Ellen select and ensure access to relevant resources, tools, and materials, and teach about the creative process of research in-class, online, and one-to-one.
Learning & Liaison Librarians | Collection Developers | Information Tour Guides | Research Strategists
»View the Librarian's Showcase Video
Kathy Fife
Supporting teaching and learning that opens minds
Serving as the central support for both Philosophy and Gender & Women’s Studies at Trent, Kathy Fife’s work and institutional knowledge make her an invaluable resource and the go-to person for students and faculty in both departments.
Departmental Secretary | Troubleshooter | Multitasker | Board Member
»View Kathy Fife's Showcase Video
Dr. Jennifer Lund
Supporting integrated and accessible education for students
Championing full accessibility for students throughout their experiences at Trent, Dr. Lund collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to help ensure teaching and learning supports and strategies for success are developed and implemented.
Team Leader | Accommodation Advisor | Academic Coach | Mental Health Advocate
»Watch Jennifer's Showcase Video
Dr. Ralph Shiell and Dr. Aaron Slepkov
Transforming student experiences in Physics
To more effectively evaluate student learning in physics at Trent, Profs. Shiell and Slepkov have developed an innovative strategy for scaffolding student questions that measure skills and knowledge incrementally, giving students credit for their thinking at each stage in their problem solving.
Physicists | Collaborators | Assessment Innovators | Passionate Teachers
»View Ralph and Aaron's Showcase Video
Lana De Bastiani, Jenna Craft, Kathleen Crook and Keeley Moloney
Venturing outside the typical classroom
Travelling to Honduras during the Fall Reading Break, 3,320 km away from Trent, Lana, Jenna, Kathleen, and Keeley taught children in rural Honduras about social determinants of health (education, nutrition, hygiene and play) in classrooms that included mountainsides, remote villages, and single room school houses. During their trip, they also delivered 360 lbs of food and 400 lbs of donated school supplies.
Psychology Students | Travellers | Health Promoters | Mountainside Teachers
