We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Jordan L. Burke Memorial Award in Forestry. The recipients have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributions to teaching that have earned them a high level of respect from students and course supervisors.
1st Place: Sophie Nitoslawski
Professors:
C. Konijnendijk / L. Nesbitt
Congratulations to PhD Candidate, Sophie Nitoslawski, for achieving 1st Place in this year’s competition. Sofie has exceptional talents in the technical and pedagogical aspects of teaching. Many students applauded her experiential learning approach and incorporating diverse learning tools in the course materials, making the online learning experience engaging. Her generosity of time with students, commitment to students and passion for teaching are admirable.
2nd Place: Stefanie Lane
Professor:
J. Richardson
Congratulations to PhD Candidate, Stefanie Lane, for being awarded 2nd Place in this year’s competition. Dozens of students praised Stefanie’s actionable feedback and hours of fun videos she created to enhance the online experience. Her caring personality and reflective approach improved the quality of online learning for students.
Congratulations to both Sophie and Stefanie and thank you to the adjudication committee, all the nominees and everyone who contributed time and energy to this year’s submissions.
Award Background
This award has been made available through an endowment established by friends, family and colleagues in memory of Jordan L. Burke (1982-2019) for graduate students in the Faculty of Forestry who have demonstrated a passion for teaching in their roles as Teaching Assistants. Jordan (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. 2016) was a postdoctoral research and teaching fellow with the Forest Insect Disturbance Ecology Laboratory in the Faculty of Forestry. His research focused on the range expansion of the mountain pine beetle in British Columbia and Alberta. Jordan served as a TA and instructor to many undergraduate students in the Faculty of Forestry. This award was established in recognition of Jordan’s legacy as an enthusiastic and encouraging instructor.
