Honouring our academic leaders
(Photo Credit: Simon Bertrand-Séguin)
Each year, the University of Ottawa honours its exceptional educators with the annual Excellence in Education prizes. Driven by their passion to advance and disseminate knowledge, recipients of these awards must demonstrate outstanding teaching while maintaining a solid research program. This year’s winners include: Jacqueline Carnegie, Serge Durflinger, Galen Perras, Marie Pratte and Claire Turenne-Sjolander.
Jacqueline Carnegie is assistant professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. An esteemed academic and teacher, she is deeply committed to student learning and to creating a more productive learning environment. In conjunction with her heavy teaching load over the past several years, Dr. Carnegie has developed a strong educational research program focusing on the design and evaluation of novel online learning tools.
An associate professor in the Department of History, Serge Durflinger is a highly accomplished, extensively published and widely recognized authority in Canadian military history. Over the years, he has made important scholarly contributions as a professor, historical practitioner, overseas battlefields tour guide and director of the Canadian Battlefields Foundation. Professor Durflinger believes that as an educator, he has a unique opportunity to make a positive change. Through his passion, he inspires his students to ponder Canadian history both inside and outside of the classroom.
Galen Perras, an associate professor in the Department of History, is a highly respected academic in his field and a popular choice among his students. He has published extensively, particularly in the area of U.S. – Canada relations, and is often called upon by media to comment on U.S. or Canadian political and military affairs. He has also been cited as an expert in many documentary productions. Professor Perras is a tireless recruiter and promoter for the history program.
Recognized as an extraordinary pedagogue, Marie Pratte admits to having a passion for teaching. A professor in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, she specializes in family law and contractual obligations. Professor Pratte is considered a source of inspiration to both her students and her peers. She has written and published extensively, most recently a reference book that earned her the Walter Owen Award. Often referred to as an exceptional mentor, she is also a devoted individual who has inspired many throughout her career.
Claire Turenne-Sjolander is a professor at the School of Political Studies. An exceptional pedagogue and mentor, she has a teaching philosophy that puts students at the centre of her work. She works to foster an environment of mutual respect, one that allows students to think critically and become fully engaged citizens and one where she can help students navigate in the professional world. Professor Turenne-Sjolander has published extensively in the areas of Canadian foreign policy as well as gender and international politics.