Associate Professor of Chemistry Jianbo Gao has received the 2026 Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) Teaching Award of Excellence for his dedication to student success. From left are Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) Vice-President of External Affairs Aaditya Gupta (Aadi), Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg, Gao, BUSU Vice-President of University Affairs Natalia Rodrigues-Rana and BUSU President Fiona Seabrook at OUSA’s Partners in Higher Education Dinner Awards Ceremony on April 15 in Toronto. For Jianbo Gao, teaching is about more than helping students understand complex chemistry concepts. It’s about shaping the future.
The Associate Professor of Chemistry recently received the 2026 Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) Teaching Award of Excellence for his efforts to help student unlock their potential.
“I see education as a sincere caring of students and creating all possible opportunities that empower students to grow, to lead and to innovate,” he says. “Because our students are not only learners today, but the future leaders and changemakers who will shape our world.”
Every year OUSA, a provincial post-secondary student advocacy group, asks member schools to nominate educators who have had an impact on the academic careers of students. The Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) put forward Gao’s name for the award after receiving multiple student nominations citing his commitment to student success and enthusiasm for teaching.
Gao received his award at OUSA’s Partners in Higher Education Dinner Awards Ceremony on April 15 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
“It is truly an honor to receive this teaching award. Our students deserve just as much credit, as they inspire me every day,” he says.
Gao has also recognized for his impact outside the classroom, receiving Brock’s Chancellor’s Chair for Research Excellence in 2024. The quantum materials expert is working to make communication technology more secure and solar panel technology more efficient.
