Ginny Ratsoy, Associate Professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages, was honoured for her contributions to student research last month as a co-recipient of the 2016 Undergraduate Research Mentor Award.
Two such awards were bestowed this year, with another award going to Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Read: Jonathan Van Hamme receives Undergraduate Research Mentor Award
The award celebrates a faculty member who actively helps students to explore, inquire and engage in new knowledge creation by providing meaningful guidance and support. Ratsoy has a remarkable history of mentorship, having supervised more than 80 student projects; in the most recent five-year period, she has provided more than 30 experiential learning and research opportunities for students.
“Not only has Professor Ratsoy been a stellar mentor in her own right, but she has also been an exemplary catalyst for other faculty members in a variety of ways, including her role as the inaugural TRU Provost’s Fellow for Teaching and Learning,” said Dr. Will Garrett-Petts, Associate Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies.
Students were effusive in their support of Ratsoy and her contribution to their education and experience, writing at length of her outstanding record of research mentorship.
“In addition to providing support, Ginny also encourages her students to step beyond the boundary of comfort, resulting in the confidence and assertiveness needed to present research at conferences or to seek research publication,” wrote one student.
“Ginny’s philosophy of teaching and learning epitomizes the essence of mentoring — know your student, and recognize the influence your style of teaching has on their world-view,” wrote another.
Faculty were equally filled with praise:
“I have learned first hand from her students how her mentoring allowed them to develop as both scholars and as people,” wrote Dr. Lyn Baldwin, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences.
“She has always conducted herself with the utmost sense of professionalism and genuine leadership. It is hard to imagine life on campus without the invaluable, continuing contribution of Professor Ginny Ratsoy,” wrote James Hoffman, Professor Emeritus, Theatre.
In response to the outpouring of support, Ratsoy said:
“Perhaps the greatest joy of the many joys of my long career at TRU has been the mentoring of individual students. Watching them grow has been deeply satisfying, even awe inspiring.”
