Four faculty members recognized as Professors of the Year

From left: Michael Saikali, Ian Crandall, Dean Lisa Dolovich

Student-led awards honour outstanding teaching and support

Four professors at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have been chosen as the 2023 Professors of the Year. Michael Saikali, Ian Crandall, Debra Sibbald, and Scott Walker received the award, which recognizes outstanding teaching and support.

The Professor of the Year Awards are student-led, with each cohort voting for the professor they would like to recognize.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

Class 2T6: Michael Saikali

The 2T6 class noted Saikali’s drive to ensure student success in the courses he taught, including Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics.

“Michael was available to answer students' questions and concerns, not only through email but also through a multitude of office hours and post-midterm revision sessions. Michael extended several of these office hours and sessions to ensure students got the value they sought out of their time. Michael’s interactions with students both within and outside the classroom made him feel like an approachable and communicative presence in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy across both the fall and winter semesters,” said Rehan Saeed, 2T6 Class President.

Class 2T5: Ian Crandall

The 2T5 class appreciated Crandall’s expertise and humour in teaching.

“Ian is not only methodically and methodologically fair with tests, but he is also one of the most notable examples of a true teacher. He doesn't just know and love the topic he teaches, he delights in it. There's no more pleasurable way to learn, and no easier way to make the knowledge last,” said Leeya Wilson, 2T5 Class President.

Class 2T4: Debra Sibbald

The 2T4 class noted Sibbald’s consideration of student suggestions and participation.

“Debra always holds space for student comments and suggestions. She actively polls the class, reflects on our thoughts, and adjusts accordingly to engage students as much as possible. From the first day in her class, we have always been treated like professionals, and she has instilled in us the confidence in our ability to use a framework when treating minor ailments. Overall, her classes are memorable, important, and fun,” said Stephanie Rosenbaum, 2T4 Class Council Vice President.

PharmD for Pharmacists: Scott Walker

The PharmD for Pharmacists class saw Walker, who teaches pharmacokinetics, as a kind, approachable and inspiring expert professor. They noted that he provided helpful quizzes after each module to solidify students’ knowledge of the complicated topic and tremendous support before the final exam.

“Scott employed engaging teaching methods that captured students' interests and facilitated their understanding of complex pharmacokinetic concepts. Utilizing various instructional techniques, such as interactive lectures, case studies, simulations, and hands-on experiments, made our learning experience more dynamic and memorable. Scott facilitated multiple tutorials to help with each assignment and to prepare us for the final exam. His tutorials were very effective, helpful, and so engaging,” said Naglaa Mehanna and Tasnim Nashnoush, PharmD for Pharmacists class representatives.

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Cheyenne Matinnia, MSc Student at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy