\u201cGoing viral\u201d typically has a very different meaning in Biological Sciences courses, often focused on medical afflictions.<\/p>\n
But, in Lori MacNeil\u2019s classes, the term relates not only to the course content, but also the results of her innovative teaching approach.<\/p>\n
In December, her creative take on a holiday icebreaker for her third-year genetics class \u2014 just one in a series of videos the Assistant Professor of Biology has produced \u2014 reached more than three million people and made national headlines<\/a>.<\/p>\n Delivering innovative and engaging lessons that tap into youth culture and new learning styles is what inspired the Faculty of Mathematics and Science (FMS) to recognize MacNeil with its 2021 Teaching Excellence award. She was honoured during Brock’s Virtual Spring Convocation<\/a> on Friday, June 18.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat professors strive to connect with their students and spend countless hours perfecting their craft,\u201d said Mathematics and Science Dean Ejaz Ahmed. \u201cLori\u2019s ability to reach students on their level and inspire their hard work is impressive and her awards are well deserved.\u201d<\/p>\n MacNeil has achieved a trifecta of honours this year.<\/p>\n In addition to the Faculty\u2019s Teaching Excellence award, she was awarded the Mathematics and Science Council Excellence in Teaching and Student Engagement award \u2014 a title she has won twice in five years \u2014 and received the Teaching Excellence award presented through Brock\u2019s Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI).<\/p>\n