Awards
2010 summit award® recipients
THE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
This award is presented to Members of APEGGA who have made exemplary contributions to teaching and learning at a recognized post-secondary teaching establishment in Alberta.
Dr. Edwin P. Nowicki, P.Eng.
Dr. Ed Nowicki, P.Eng., associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, is an outstanding educator, who goes the extra mile for his students. Dr. Nowicki says teaching is his favourite activity and by all accounts, he excels at it. Students say that he makes a significant effort to ensure that every one of them understands the course material.
Extraordinarily patient, he spends the time to ensure that the student understands the concept by explaining it in terms they will understand. Dr. Nowicki emphasizes critical thinking rather than memorization. Not only does Dr. Nowicki work to help each and every student to understand the course material, he teaches with enthusiasm about the course content and with experience in the field under discussion. His teaching excellence has been recognized with several awards from various organizations, presented by both peers and students.
Dr. Nowicki’s commitment to students also extends beyond the classroom. Approachable and always available, thanks to his open door policy, he has a genuine willingness to communicate with students. He makes the time to get to know his students and welcomes those who have problems outside of the curriculum. Dr. Nowicki is also very involved in other aspects of service to the students. He assists in presenting the capstone course in electrical engineering, not because he is assigned to the course, but because he believes in its importance. He also offers extra graduate courses if they are needed. For many years, he was the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers student counsellor for the University of Calgary, and he was very active in the Western Canadian Robot Games.
As Associate Director of the Centre for Environmental Engineering Research and Education, Dr. Nowicki is program coordinator of the undergraduate Energy and Environment Specialization. In this position, he enjoys liaising with the students in the specialization. As a result, he often plays the role of mentor or counsellor.
Over the years, Dr. Nowicki has also made many presentations to high school students, discussing engineering as a career. He’s been involved with the Shad Valley program, which offers high school students an opportunity to attend camps emphasizing science, technology and engineering and for many years he judged the Calgary Youth Science Fair. He is also active in the Calgary student chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
Honours, Awards and Distinctions
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Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Teaching Award (2007)
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Electrical and Computer Engineering Students’ Society Teaching Award (2007; 2006)
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Schulich School of Engineering Teaching Award (2007)
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University of Calgary Students’ Union Teaching Award (2007)
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University of Calgary Students’ Union Teaching Award Honourable Mention (2006)
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Engineering Students’ Society Teaching Award (2005)
Professional Affiliations and Activities
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Member, APEGGA (1993-present)