Agilent Technologies Excellence in Teaching
Assistant Award for 3rd Year Chemistry Laboratory

Nature of Award

This award was formally known as the Varian Teaching Assistant Award.

An award, sponsored by Varian Canada, is given annually to the laboratory teaching assistant in a second year course who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the education of chemistry students in a laboratory setting. Each award consists of $500 and a framed award certificate.

Nomination Criteria

In order to be eligible for an Award, the TA must be a graduate student at Queen’s University who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the education of undergraduate students enrolled in a chemistry course at Queen’s. TAs are nominated by students enrolled in chemistry courses and/or a professor at Queen’s University. Eligible candidates will be TAs who directly contribute to the learning experience of undergraduate students through leadership of laboratory sessions, or by providing individual student academic assistance. A TA is eligible to receive one Award in any specific academic year.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations will be made in the following way:

• Students will have an opportunity to nominate their TA by completing an online TA nomination form or a written form prepared by the professor in charge of the course for which the graduate student is a TA. This evaluation should contain persuasive and compelling reasons why the TA deserves special recognition. The name of the TA and course taught by the TA must be included in the nomination document.

• Professors who have worked with a TA may also nominate that TA, may write a letter of support for any nominee or may voice their support in a selection committee meeting.

Selection Process

Each of the Awards winners will be determined by a committee consisting of the TA Assignment Committee (TAAC), one graduate representative and the President of the DSC. The Committee will review all nomination packages and determine Award winning Teaching Assistants by taking into consideration all information received from both students and professors. All decisions are final.

Presentation of Award

Winners of this Teaching Award will receive the Department of Chemistry Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance at the Teaching Assistant Professional Activity Day in September of the following academic year. Each award will consist of a framed certificate presented by the Department of Chemistry and a $500 cash award.

Past Winners

      2011 - 2012 Kevin Fowler
      2010 - 2011 Shelley McArthur
      2009 - 2010 Nicole Day
      2008 - 2009 Shihao Wang
      2007 - 2008 Michelle Douma
      2006 - 2007 Michelle Douma
      2005 - 2006 Emily Mitchell
      2004 - 2005 Dominique Turcotte
      2003 - 2004 Laurie Brown