CBS announces winners of the 2025 Teaching and Mentorship Awards
The College of Biological Science is honouring five exceptional educators and mentors with the 2025 CBS Teaching and Mentorship Awards. The awards recognize those who’ve demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to student learning, well-being and success.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 CBS Teaching and Mentorship Awards:
- Faculty Teaching Excellence Award: Dr. Dan Grunspan
- Staff Teaching Award of Excellence: Dr. Colin Cooper
- Graduate Mentoring Award: Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe
- Graduate Teaching Assistant Award of Excellence: Catherine Fust
- Mentorship Award for Post-Doctoral Fellows: Dr. Casey Williamson
Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Dan Grunspan, Integrative Biology
Nominated by Dr. Amy Newman, chair of Integrative Biology
Dr. Dan Grunspan has made outstanding contributions to undergraduate education and curriculum design, putting student learning at the heart of his work as an instructor, advisor, mentor, and researcher in biology education. From supporting students in BIOL*1070 and the Biological Science capstone course, BIOL*4020, to leading teaching and learning initiatives at the department and college level, he has shown his commitment to improving the student experience. He has become a leader in teaching innovation, and a go-to resource for faculty members seeking guidance in their own course design and delivery.
In the large, first-year course BIOL*1070, Grunspan and his co-instructors have worked to make the course more engaging, inclusive and effective through the incorporation of more active learning opportunities, collaborative assessments, and other forward-thinking teaching practices. As a teacher, mentor and advisor, students credit Grunspan for his unwavering dedication, patience and care for their growth and wellbeing.
Grunspan has also been an active member of several curriculum committees, the COESP steering committee, a working group to adapt course delivery and curricula in response to rising enrolment, and a faculty advisor for the Biological Science major. He has also been involved in developing the co-op program for Wildlife Biology and Conservation and supported external reviews of IB’s undergraduate majors, as well as the Biological Science major. He is also a PI or collaborator on three Scholarship of Teaching and Learning/Learning Enhancement awards granted by the university’s Office of Teaching and Learning.
Staff Teaching Award of Excellence
Dr. Colin Cooper, Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Nominated by Madison Turner, PhD student in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Dr. Colin Cooper has shown his commitment to excellence in teaching and learning through his work improving a variety of undergraduate courses, including updating and expanding lab curricula, modernizing lab techniques, and giving students more opportunities to learn valuable transferable skills, such as data analysis and experimental design. He has also been involved in supporting teaching and learning initiatives at the college level, through participating in COESP, and writing and receiving several grants aimed at supporting student learning.
For faculty, staff and teaching assistants, Cooper is a reliable source of support, knowledge and guidance and is known for the meticulous care and attention he brings to his work. Among students, he is well-liked for the personal attention he shows, making efforts to learn about each student in his class and providing individualized support to best meet their needs.
“As someone who aspires to become a high school teacher, I often find myself reflecting on the kind of educator I hope to be,” wrote Biochemistry student Ashleigh Wint. “Dr. Cooper sets a great example for this. His dedication, presence, and genuine care for students have supported my academic growth in remarkable ways. I can only hope to support my future students’ learning as meaningfully as Dr. Cooper has supported mine.”
Graduate Mentoring Award
Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, Professor, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Nominated by Dr. Brendan Daisley, Molecular and Cellular Biology
In her lab, Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe has fostered an environment where graduate students feel supported in their personal and professional development, encouraged and trusted to take ownership of their research, including exploring innovative new directions, and welcomed as part of a community.
As a mentor, Allen-Vercoe balances structure with flexibility, meeting regularly with students to discuss progress and provide guidance and career advice, while also prioritizing casual team-building through lab meetings and events. Students are encouraged to take opportunities to attend conferences and share their work, and she often facilitates high-impact connections and collaborations across institutions in Canada and beyond.
Allen-Vercoe offers individualized support for each student in their goals, providing thoughtful feedback and guidance, as well as compassion, practical suggestions and flexibility in response to personal and professional challenges. Even after graduation, she has continued to provide mentorship and support to former trainees.
“What truly sets Dr. Allen-Vercoe apart is her unwavering commitment not just to our research projects, but to our holistic growth as scientists and individuals,” wrote PhD student Dylan Brettingham.
Graduate Teaching Assistant Award of Excellence
Catherine Fust, PhD student in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Nominated by Dr. Baozhong Meng and Elspeth Smith, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Through her leadership, enthusiasm, and unflagging commitment to student learning, Catherine Fust has proven herself invaluable to both students and instructors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fust took the initiative, with the help of another TA, to design, develop and administer online tutorials to facilitate student learning in the challenging third-year World of Viruses course. She also stepped up to deliver lectures when Dr. Meng was away. And in the fourth-year Molecular Virology course, when lab activities needed revamping, she helped develop a new manual and new experiments.
As a teaching assistant for three undergraduate courses since 2021, Fust always puts students first, providing thorough and constructive feedback on assignments and presentations, facilitating in-class discussions, and making herself available before and after classes and tutorials to answer questions. She shows genuine care for students and their academic journeys, noting when they are struggling and working to ensure none are left behind. Outside the classroom, Fust has also mentored numerous undergraduate students interested in pursuing research and graduate school through the CoBUMP program.
“[Catherine’s] ability to distill complex concepts in virology into clear, accessible explanations made a lasting impact on my understanding of the subject,” wrote Molecular Biology and Genetics student Maya Abboud. “Her tutorials were not only engaging but also structured in a way that reinforced and expanded upon the material presented in lectures. Catherine’s approachable nature and willingness to answer questions, no matter how basic or complex, made her an invaluable resource in the course.”
Mentorship Award for Post-Doctoral Fellows
Dr. Casey Williamson, postdoctoral fellow in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Nominated by Dr. Nina Jones, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Since joining Dr. Nina Jones’ lab in 2017, Dr. Casey Williamson has stood out as a leader in the team and a supportive, thoughtful mentor to many undergraduate and graduate students. Known for her expertise in experimental design, lab procedures, statistics and data analysis, she inspires students with her curiosity and drive and the connections she makes to the greater significance of the research.
As a mentor, Williamson works closely with each student to provide individualized guidance in their academic, professional and personal growth. She is supportive, empathetic and approachable, while challenging students to step outside their comfort zones.
For PhD student Alice Wang, Williamson’s mentorship and guidance were key to her pursuing graduate studies in the Jones Lab.
“She has been unparalleled in her influence as a mentor because she doesn’t simply solve my problems when they arise,” wrote Wang. “Instead, she takes extra time to work with me and support my learning. I have become a better scientist because she has empowered me with the knowledge, skill, and guidance to address challenges independently.”