Between 2017-2019 G+PS organized Great Supervisor Week in May of each year during which graduate students were encouraged to give kudos to their supervisors through social media and our website.
May 8-14, 2017, was the inaugural #GreatSupervisor week at UBC
May 7-13, 2018, was the second annual #GreatSupervisor week at UBC.
May 6-12, 2019, was the third annual #GreatSupervisor week at UBC.
#GreatSupervisor week started at the University of Calgary in 2014, and we are grateful to them for their inspiration and support in this initiative.
My supervisor Dr. Amanda Giang is a #GreatSupervisor for so many reasons! She supports our mental health and well-being, always making sure that our wellness is a priority. She is inclusive and open to new ideas. She gives amazing constructive feedback that improves our work. She is always there to cheer us on when we succeed. She encourages us to make connections that will further our goals. She is approachable and friendly. I feel lucky to have her as my supervisor.
Continuous support and encouragement.
Candace listens and supports me in a way that respects my role as a husband, father, and member of my First Nation as well as a scholar.
I also really appreciate her understanding as an Indigenous scholar.
Professor Pinar inspires you both by his scholarly knowledge and by his humble attitude towards. His perceptive personality gives you a supportive and caring space to know yourself. He provides a valuable opportunity to take your time during your learning experience. I am proud of my doctoral experience at UBC mainly because of his guidelines, patience, and dedication to my learning experience. He is extraordinary!
For always supporting, encouraging, stretching, and inspiring!
Tim Kieffer is exactly the #GreatSupervisor you hope to have. Dr. Kieffer never fails to challenge you to do better and never ceases to support you through adversity. Thank you for making the Kieffer Lab a place of creativity, productivity, and positivity. It is a privilege to recognize Tim as my mentor and I will proudly do so for my entire career ahead.
In our research group, Dr. Lester sparks innovative conversations between students from a wide range of backgrounds. From computer science students contributing to the development of a mobile health technology to public health researchers studying the implementation of this tech globally, he has a knack for translating information that serves a spectrum of interests. It really helps to bring together students who might otherwise work in silos. I've really appreciated his can-do attitude and the positive perspective he has when tackling complex problems in low-resource settings. He always makes his students feel capable and confident in their abilities and reminds us of the importance our research has in a broader context. As a student from a remote and isolated community, I value that Dr. Lester, his family, and the research group offer a sense of community I need to thrive. Thank you, Dr. Lester, for making anyone and everyone feel welcome in your lab. And I am so grateful for the accommodation of my dog as well; this helped me acclimatize to the city and make transitioning back into post-secondary an easier choice. Thank you!
I'm so thankful for Dr. Mitchell-Foster, and all she does to support my research. She is approachable, very knowledgable and patient in helping me learn the ins and outs of academia. The way she manages her students, being a baby-saving obgyn and her adorable family is inspirational. I'm so grateful to have such a strong female role model in my life! Thanks for all you do!
Bonny Norton is not only a #GreatSupervisor, she is the #BestSupervisor. Bonny is not only my supervisor, she is a mentor, friend and role model. She cares deeply about her students and is ALWAYS willing to take the time whether it's help with a school-related task, frustration, advice or personal issues. Bonny has made me believe I am capable of more than I knew was possible; she sets the bar high and is available to help every step of the way. Bonny's brilliance is matched only by her warm and caring heart. I feel so lucky and grateful that I have the privilege of working with Bonny for she is without a doubt a #GreatSupervisor.
He is helpful, patient, kind, and understanding. He always encourages me to do and be my best.
Vicki is a wonderful supervisor because she has great knowledge in our field of study, she is very supportive and always believes in me, even when I don't. She incentivizes me to pursue new skills but always respecting my personality and will. She is always using positive words and her critiques are always constructive and objective so I can really improve myself. I feel very blessed to have her as a mentor in a challenging stage such as the Ph.D. course.
My supervisor is great because of the support she provides. Not only does she make sure that I'm supported financially but she cares about my personal well-being and my career and we can openly talk about both. She's created an environment where I'm not afraid to talk about personal or professional struggles and wins. She is a #GreatSupervisor
I am eternally grateful to have had Dr. Beristain as my MSc supervisor for the past 2.5 years. Dr. Beristain is a great mentor and has always been there to support, motivate and challenge me. I have grown both academically and personally thanks to Dr. Beristain's guidance.
Despite being in global demand and usually found flying around the world Sheryl is really down to earth. Her teaching style is subtle and layered; she has so much knowledge and experience but you have to LISTEN, there are no cheat sheets. She is phenomenal in her ability to groom young academics into communities and jobs where our work can contribute to meaningful change for the larger Indigenous and global communities. With each step of the PhD process, her expectations, and the opportunities she offers increase and its up to you to decide how committed you are. If you're prepared to do the work, she's got your back.
Dr. Jolanta is a hard-working faculty member at UBC. She supervises many masters and PhD students and a committee member of many research committees. She is able to handle all of that and give each student enough attention. She follows up with each student to make sure that the research projects are on track. She suggests continuously reading materials to students to expand their knowledge. She's special for her resilience & cooperation to make the research experience as smooth as possible.
Because he truly is a teacher.
Dr. Ahenakew is a great supervisor because he cares first and foremost about his students as people.
Sheila and Grant are always available. They are highly knowledgeable and very caring about my learning. They are respectful and treat me like a colleague. Sheila and Grant also provide excellent guidance and support which is necessary as a hopeful researcher. Their experience is so helpful to me and they have me involved in their research projects which has helped me to develop my research skills. They have taught me how to write and submit manuscripts, write applications for awards, and are generally very kind and caring. They are amazing.
Many people know Dr. Pauly as a world-renowned fisheries scientist and an author or co-author of over 30 books and 1000 scientific articles. I am honoured to know him for his honesty, inclusivity, humour, and encouragement in his role as my supervisor. Dr. Pauly never fails to provide positive feedback and constructive criticism in order to guide me along my academic journey. Under his leadership, I always feel as though I am part of a strong and diverse team, where my voice matters and is heard. These are just a few of the reasons why Dr. Pauly is a #GreatSupervisor.
Huge thanks, from the bottom of my heart to my #GreatSupervisor, Dr. Peter Loewen, for supporting me and believing in me (sometimes more than I believe in myself), in the past 3 years. I am a better person because of you.
Shannon is a great supervisor because of her perceptive ability to identify the unique needs of different students. By recognizing different styles, interests, abilities, and backgrounds, Shannon creates an environment tailored to each individual, where they can flourish.
My supervisor is not just a #GreatSupervisor but also the #BestSupervisor because he is very enthusiastic about math and makes me feel super excited about my project. He has boundless energy and happily meets with each of his students several hours every week, making us all feel special. He is full of fruitful ideas on how to proceed in my project, so I never get down feeling stuck for long. He is not judgemental or hyper critical so I feel comfortable asking dumb questions. He is the #BestSupervisor because he is invaluable in helping me become a mathematician. Thank you Prof. Bryan!
Mark is an absolutely exceptional supervisor. Never in my academic or professional career have I felt so supported by a supervisor. I have no doubts that Mark constantly has my best interests at heart and he works tirelessly to support my scholastic, professional, and personal development. Words fall short as I try to articulate how grateful I am to study under the guidance of such a person. Perhaps the best way for me to describe him is as a dreamweaver, as I truly feel that this is his intention and capacity.
Professor Pauly is a "GreatSupervisor" not only because he has very proficient professional knowledge and creative ideas, which is able to give me effective guidance to my study and research, but also because of his serious and responsible attitude to his work and my study. He always shows the very high patient to me to encourage me to do the right things. In spare time, he is humourous and erudite and teaches us a lot of things about life, culture, and nature. Get along with him motivate my great interest in work and life. He is the best supervisor I have met. He is totally worthy of the "GreatSupervisor".
Villy has always given me the freedom and encouragement to work on a broad set of topics beyond my thesis work, and I am trully thankful for his helpful guidance.
Alison provides gentle guidance and support! My critical thinking & writing skills are better because of her!
Can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to co-supervise me in my PhD program. I am grateful for your commitment to providing a conducive academic environment to learn from your wealth of knowledge and experience. Thank you for being so extra supportive. You are amazing!
I feel so fortunate to have Sally and Fuchsia as my doctoral supervisors. As an international student, they are the kind of supervisors I need to be successful. Early on in my first year when I was struggling to balance between my son and study, they both showed their understanding and support. We are able to meet when necessary and they always provide detailed and constructive feedback which has provided me with the impetus I needed to develop the functional skills and knowledge for this evolving learning experience. I could not be more happy for their mentorship including other occasions for which I owe them gratitude. Many thanks to Sally and Fuchsia.
My supervisor is very considerate and always thinks for his students! He is very patient in listening to our ideas and struggles, and always provides the greatest supports to us! I'm very honored to be his student.
A big thank you to Dr. Anne Gadermann for letting me think outside the box, for supporting my dreams, and for being a fantastic role model for academic integrity!
Dr. Hackett is an all-round great supervisor and scientist. As my supervisor during my PhD and now for my post-doctoral fellowship, Dr. Hackett has been an amazing mentor. She has been totally dedicated in helping me succeed with every project I have worked on and pays particular attention to every detail of my development as a young scientist. I have been very lucky to have her as my supervisor. #GreatSupervisor #DrTillieHackett
She believed in me before I believed in myself.
#GreatSupervisor #UBC and I want to sincerely thank my wonderful supervisor Dr. Tal Jarus for her unwavering support. I have learned so much under her mentorship and I am very privileged to have a very great doctoral supervisor. Thanks so much Tal!
There are not many mentors with whom you can relax and be honest while knowing you're going to get constructive and encouraging feedback. Dr. Theresa Rogers serves as a model for anyone seeking to become a more effective and thoughtful academic, teacher, or mentor of any kind. There's no comparison.
Amy is inspiring! Always provides critical yet gentle feedback. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Tillie is a fantastic and supportive supervisor. She is so dedicated to her students and the research we undertake, always responding to emails and working late into the night!! She will also go above and beyond what most people would do to help you out on a personal level. Exemplified by her continually writing detailed references for previous students who call her up out of the blue, 5 or more years after they have left the lab; or by helping you out with all of the immigration paperwork and nonsense that international students have to go through. She has been a fabulous mentor to me personally, allowing me the freedom to embrace my inner mad scientist and supporting me throughout the PhD. It has honestly been a great privilege to work along side such an exceptional and inspirational scientist and leader. #GreatSupervisor!
I want to thank my great supervisor, Dr. Jennifer Vadeboncoeur, because she has taught me the difference between being a student and being a learner. Her invaluable guidance has pushed me beyond my limits not only as a researcher but as a person.
I would like to thank my Supervisor Dr. Mohamed Bedaiwy for all the guidance, encouragement and advice he has provided up until now to bring out the best in me. I have been extremely lucky to have a supervisor like Dr. Bedaiwy, who cared so much about my work, and who responded to my questions and queries so promptly. He is extremely knowledgeable, excellent and remarkable in everything he does. He is the best doctor and a role model not only for me, but for the whole department and other students too. I am grateful to you, Dr. Bedaiwy, for giving me the opportunity to work with you. Your guidance will definitely help me brighten my career and professional life. I would like to express my gratitude to you for being such an inspiration. Thanks for teaching me so much.
Some people do what they are called to do in life, and we know that because we can see the passion, patience, and interest they have for what they do and the interest they have in helping who is around them. Dr. Froese transmits his love and encourages us to do our best with his help and feedbacks making a difference and contributing to the success of the project/ research and the student. I am thankful to God for his life.
So grateful for our #GreatSupervisor Dr. Brian Wilson @ubccss @UBCKin @UBCEduc who is not only an exemplary scholar but also a role model human with his thoughtful kindness, humility, and patience. You're pretty much the supervisor lottery jackpot -- thank you, everyday!
I offer my heartfelt thanks to Drs. Shannon Kolind and Anthony Traboulsee, who have taught me more than I could ever have learned in a classroom. They have provided me with unconditional support and care, and encouraged critical thinking and professional growth. Even with their busy schedules, they regularly met with me to ensure that I was meeting my goals and had all necessary resources. I am very grateful for their mentorship, trust and guidance! #GreatSupervisor week at #UBC.
Dr. Janette Bulkan is a #GreatSupervisor because of her support and guidance since resuming my MSc program in September, 2017. The many moments of interactions with her both personally and during classes has increased my passion to research on issues in community forestry and governance system in the natural resource management. She's a leading scholar in this field with many colleagues and collaborators globally. Thanks to Janette for supervising my Master's degree.
