Nosko and Kmiec earn Teaching Awards
Congratulations to Dr. Peter Nosko on winning the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Joanne Kmiec on winning the Nipissing University Teaching Award for CASBU Members.
The awards, which include a professional development/research grant worth $1,500, recognize the importance of effective teaching by faculty who play a significant role in the education of Nipissing University students. Faculty members are nominated for the award by past or present students. The winners are then chosen by a selection committee comprised of one student representative from each Faculty as selected by the Student Union; one representative from each Faculty as selected by Senate; and previous award recipients from the last 5 years. A CASBU officer is also part of the selection committee for the Nipissing University Teaching Award for CASBU Members.
Dr. Peter Nosko is an associate professor and the chair of the Biology/Environmental Science program. A dedicated scholar and teacher, Dr. Nosko began his career at Nipissing in 1995. His areas of specialization include forest regeneration ecology, restoration forestry, plant-herbivore interactions, plant-soil interactions, and plant physiological ecology. Dr. Nosko has engaged students through Community Service Learning on multiple occasions since 2008. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, the Society for Ecological Restoration, and the International Oak Society, with numerous academic publications and presentations to his credit.
Here are some comments from students who nominated Dr. Nosko:
“Dr. Nosko always goes above and beyond to ensure the success of his students.”
“He is always there for guidance and has assisted me for countless hours to ensure my success.”
“Dr. Nosko is the most dedicated teacher I have ever come across in my academic career. His door is always open and regardless of what he is working on, he is always willing to give me his undivided attention.”
“His humble attitude, encouraging words, and passion for learning are key characteristics that ripple through the environment of Nipissing University.”
Joanne Kmiec began her career at Nipissing University in 2003 as an educational instructor, developing, organizing and teaching educational technology workshops and in-class sessions for Bachelor of Education students. Since then, she has worked as an instructional designer, an online additional qualification instructor and developer, and an instructor/lecturer in the Schulich School of Education. Kmiec also works as an occasional teacher in the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. Kmiec has many academic publications and presentations to her credit.
Here are some comments from students who nominated Kmiec:
“Joanne is the true definition of a wonderful teacher who continuously displays love and support for her students.”
“She has taken education to a whole new level that engages students to learn in an interactive and fun way using 21st century skills.”
“She is always looking out for us and sheis always going above and beyond to ensure that we are receiving the learning that we need in order to be successful.”
“Joanne is one of the most inspirational, knowledgeable, and compassionate educators that I’ve had the privilege to meet.”