UWinChem

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Alumni teaching award recipient: Phil Dutton

Congratulations to Phillip Dutton, who was awarded the 2013 Alumni Teaching Award at the Spring Convocation on June 12, 2013.

From the Daily News:


Chemistry professor devises formula for successful teaching

Philip Dutton says that the development of his style of teaching drew on his experience in martial arts: “Observe good demonstrations, practice observed techniques, and if you remove all of the mistakes, what is left is not only correct, but is efficient.”

Philip Dutton, A former head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Dutton has observed speakers and instructors to figure what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do. The technique came to him as a graduate student watching a visiting scientist present a seminar, he says: “I promised myself never to do what he did.”

Honing his skills has paid off for Dutton’s students, and earned him the Alumni Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching, which he will receive at the Wednesday, June 12, afternoon session of Convocation.

In letters supporting his nomination for the award, current and former students praise Dutton’s passion for his material and commitment to his charges.

“Dr. Dutton’s enthusiasm helped me rise above my obstacles and strive for excellence,” wrote Sara Ghoneim. “He always challenged his students and engaged us in his lectures in ways that made the course material unforgettable.”

His colleagues tout his versatility, teaching courses in a variety of subjects, including large introductory classes, and helping to develop a redesigned undergraduate curriculum.

At the root of his commitment is what Dutton calls the true reward of the teacher: “There is nothing more satisfying than watching students move through the training of their undergraduate and graduate carers and go on to be successful contributors to society.”

The awards, established by the University of Windsor Alumni Association in 1987, recognize excellence in all areas of teaching, including classroom presentation, curriculum development, versatility, teaching methods, and student support. In addition to Dutton, education professor Kara Smith and English professor Dale Jacobs will receive the honour during the University’s 99th Convocation ceremonies this week. Click here for a list of past recipients.

Click here to see the original story on the Daily News

Monday, June 3, 2013

Mango Party - Fri. June 7, 2013 at 3 p.m.

Dr. Pandey's annual Mango Party will take place on Fri. June 7, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the front entrance of Essex Hall.  Contributions to the Canadian World Education Fund are welcome!

http://cwef.ca/site

See you there!



Sunday, June 2, 2013

Spring convocation BBQ - June 12, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.


The spring convocation is next Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 3:00p.m. for Faculty of Science.  The following students are graduating:

Ph.D. - Eric Bushnell, Shuai Chen, Meghan Doster, Vasantha Kallakunta, Jun Li, Bryan Lucier, Ronan San Juan.  

M.Sc. - Ahmed Cherry, Sinisa Djurdjevic, Haider Mohan, Jing Wang.

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry will be hosting a bar-b-que immediately following the convocation, at approximately 4:30 p.m.  Everyone from the department is invited to meet on the front steps of Essex Hall and share in the celebration.  Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.  Please come and join us to congratulate our students.

If you're planning on coming, please send me an email so I know how much food to purchase.

I'm also looking for volunteers to help setup for the bar-b-que.  If you're available, let me know.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Marlene Bezaire