NSAC Faculty and Staff Excellence Recognized at NSAC Convocation

Spring Convocation not only marks the academic achievements of NSAC graduates, but also the teaching and internationalization achievements of Dr. Norman Goodyear, Ms. Laurel MacIntosh and Dr. Steve Russell. Dr. Raj Lada, an avid researcher will also be recognized.

Given annually at Convocation, the Teaching, Internationalization and Research Awards recognize and promote excellence in teaching, research as well as international involvement.

Dr. Raj Lada has been selected by his peers to be this year's recipient of the NSAC Research Award.

Since joining NSAC faculty in 1998 as a Research Professor in Plant Physiology and the Processing Carrot Research Chair, Dr. Lada has distinguished himself as a teacher, researcher and administrator. He has established a prolific research program addressing a wide range of horticultural crops ranging from carrots to Christmas trees. He prides himself in being an active participant in a wide range of multi-disciplinary teams and has maintained an active international research and extension program.

Dr. Lada, in collaboration with academic and industry partners, has succeeded in obtaining millions of dollars in research grant funding from some the most prestigious funding agencies in Canada. His recent Atlantic Innovation Fund examining Smart Christmas Trees has alone brought $5 million dollars to NSAC.

Dr. Lada has trained 30 Master of Science students, five PhD students and has published 64 refereed papers, with some 95 national and international level abstracts and a long list of international collaborators.

Dr. Lada has also provided service to NSAC’s Research Office acting as Faculty of Graduate Studies Coordinator and NSERC representative as well as serving on the Graduate Program and Research Committees.

The recipient of the NSAC Faculty ward for Achievement in Teaching is Dr. Norman Goodyear from the Department of Plant and Animal sciences.

Described by his students as “phenomenal”, “exuberant” and “a deeply committed teacher” it is not hard to find praise for Dr. Goodyear. One student notes that “Norman expresses his ideas with wit and intelligence and often shares an interesting anecdote to personalize the learning experience and make it more relevant to others. He constantly gauges student interest and makes an effort to ensure that the subject matter is reaching the intended audience in the best way possible.” One student also states of him” you fulfill the role of counselor, advisor, professor, reference and friend.” It is clear the impact Professor Goodyear has on students extends beyond the classroom and graduation.

Recently appointed Dean of Teaching and Learning at NSAC , Professor Goodyear has embraced this new challenge, viewing it as a means of developing teaching and learning resources while providing support for the NSAC campus community as we all continue to strive for teaching excellence.

The recipient of the NSAC Technician ward for Achievement in Teaching is Ms. Laurel MacIntosh from the Department of Plant and Animal Sciences.

Laurel states in her personal teaching philosophy “Take time to get to know your students and it will shed a clear light for you on their progress. Try to throw some levity into your lectures. Smiling faces mean that students are listening (at least to your jokes) and it creates an atmosphere for discussion.”

One colleague describes her teaching style as “confident, involved, optimistic, often using humor and a smile” “Students trust and respect her.”

The recipient of the Award for Internationalization is Dr. Steve Russell of the Department of Business and Social Sciences.

Dr. Russell’s work has made a substantial contribution to NSAC’s internationalization efforts on campus since his arrival at NSAC in 1988. He has participated in over 60 missions to 25 different countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean and has contributed to international projects worth more than $4 million to NSAC.

Dr. Russell has also been instrumental in supporting student internationalization activities in Ghana and Jamaica. Last year Dr. Russell developed the Canada/European Mobility project in International Entrepreneurship, which will allow student exchange with the Netherlands and France. He led the development of the unique International Food Business program with Dronten in the Netherlands which has nine Canadian students completing the first year of the program this spring.

NSAC faculty and staff will be recognized during NSAC’ convocation ceremony at 2:00pm today in the Langille Athletic Centre.

NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.