Thoughtful teaching. Groundbreaking research. Exemplary service.
These were among the characteristics recognized by the FPA Excellence Awards this year, which were handed out at the FPA Spring Social on April 28th.
“This is a chance for us to celebrate the end of the academic year, but also to recognize the excellence within our faculty and staff,” Dean André Plourde told the assembled crowd. “I, for one, am very grateful for all of your hard work.”
Six faculty members and staff won awards based on nominations by Chairs, Directors and colleagues. The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges.
From L to R: Mark Pearcey, Coleen Kornelsen, Ummni Khan, Sarah Todd, Simon Power
Research Excellence Award
Associate Professor Ummni Khan, Department of Law and Legal Studies
Professor Khan works in an area of research that explores the relationship between law and sexuality. The committee was impressed with her strong publication and presentation record and felt that her research will make a significant contribution to developing theory in this important area. Her methodology is innovative, involves a great deal of community outreach and her knowledge mobilization efforts are both creative and cutting edge.
Public Commentary Excellence Award
Professor Stephen Saideman, Paterson Chair, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs
Professor Saideman began his blog, “Steve Saideman’s Semi-Spew”, to share his ideas on political science and international relations with a broader audience. Then he started a Twitter account to promote his blogs, which now has more than 7000 followers. Most recently, Professor Saideman was interviewed on 14 different CBC stations across Canada about Donald Trump’s foreign policy speech. He’s the author of Adapting in the Dust: Lessons Learned from Canada’s War in Afghanistan, published by the University of Toronto Press.
Teaching Excellence Award (Faculty)
Associate Professor Simon Power, Department of Economics
Professor Power has demonstrated consistent excellence in teaching. The committee was impressed by his clearly outlined teaching philosophy, and by his work that disrupts conventional wisdom on traditional pedagogical tools, such as his highly successful Bagels and Banter session on the value of “chalk and talk” instruction. Simon also led this year’s pilot of the FPA research experience course, IPAF 4900. Yet, above all, what truly shines through is Simon’s care for his students, as evidenced by his accessibility, responsiveness, and his work invigorating the Carleton Undergraduate Economics Society.
Teaching Excellence Award (Contract)
Mark Pearcey, Department of Political Science
Mark Pearcey has consistently provided students with excellent instruction in a wide variety of courses, ranging from large second year courses to advanced undergraduate seminars. The committee was impressed by Mark’s innovative use of social media in his teaching, and by his commitment to improving his teaching and pedagogical development. Mark has shown that he is a person who is willing to take that extra step, and do something out of the ordinary.
Teaching Fellowship Award
Associate Professor Sarah Todd, School of Social Work
Professor Todd has consistently demonstrated leadership in sharing and researching her teaching practice. The committee was impressed by the sheer breadth of her contributions to the teaching enterprise, from leading important curricular initiatives and the School of Social Work’s self-study through to supervision, advising, and innovation in the classroom. During her FPA Teaching Fellowship, Sarah plans to develop an on-line platform that would allow students to simulate interactions with clients, and other situations that arise in social work practice. This is a high-impact project with both an immediate and direct application to social work teaching as well as the potential to grow into a truly transformative pedagogical tool.
Staff Excellence Award
Coleen Kornelsen, Graduate Administrator, School of Journalism and Communication
Coleen Kornelsen has been described as an ambassador for Carleton and the program, a person of extraordinary maturity and professionalism and someone who people rely on every day. She is considered an outstanding colleague, administrator and mentor to students. She is “a pleasure to work with and is highly regarded by staff, students and faculty”. She goes above and beyond what is expected, innovating, helping students, “assuaging” new graduate student fears, and being the “go to” person for students—even editing students’ applications for awards.
Friday, April 29, 2016 in Communication and Media Studies, Department of Economics, Department of Political Science, Journalism, News, School of Social Work
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