Meet the 2025 Faculty of Education Award recipients
May 20, 2025
The Faculty of Education is proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of our faculty, staff, and students through our 2025 annual awards.
Undergraduate Student Service Award
This award recognizes a student who is exceptionally dedicated to service within the UVic student community and goes above and beyond in their volunteer roles.
Lili Markel
Bachelor of Education
Lili Markel, President of the Education Students’ Association (EdSA), is recognized for her outstanding service and leadership to the student community. She has actively supported new student orientations, represented the program at recruitment events, and organized key community-building activities like the practicum BBQ.
She has led by example, facilitating connections within the undergraduate community by consistently showing up with enthusiasm and inviting others to do the same. Known for her proactive and inclusive leadership style, Lili is admired by peers and faculty alike.
“Lili is incredibly organized, thoughtful, and enthusiastic. She sees what needs to be done and steps up. Her energy and creativity have had a lasting impact on the undergraduate student experience in our Faculty of Education.” – Dr. Kerry Robertson
Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award
The Outstanding Graduate Student Research Award recognizes our students’ creative or scholarly contributions to their discipline.
Dr. Ramin Rostampour
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Ramin's dissertation, 'Latent insights into the measurement of academic challenges', offers a groundbreaking psychometric analysis of how students perceive academic difficulty. Through a pilot study and three empirical studies, Ramin explored six dimensions of perceived academic challenges, advancing the fields of self-regulated learning and educational measurement. His external examiner noted the work was in the top 5% of dissertations they have reviewed.
Ramin has demonstrated his unique ability to translate complex theory and statistical methods for multiple audiences. His deep knowledge, insight, and capacity to dive deeply into new literature to advance theory and research are unsurpassed.
“Ramin is one of the most generous scholars I’ve ever met. He has a brilliant mind for research and a work ethic to match—but what truly sets him apart is the way he lifts others up around him. Whether he’s mentoring peers in advanced statistics, leading collaborative projects, or presenting his findings with clarity and humility, Ramin brings a rare mix of intellect, kindness, and integrity to everything he does. His passion for improving education through rigorous, meaningful research is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see the impact he continues to make in our field.” – Dr. Allyson Hadwin
Excellence in Teaching Award
This award is presented to a faculty member who demonstrates commitment to excellence in their teaching practice.
Dr. Jenn Gruno
Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education
An innovative educator with a deep commitment to experiential learning and community partnerships, Jenn is a leader in educational design and delivery. She has received nine UVic course-related grants, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to pedagogical excellence. She has coordinated hundreds of student teaching experiences beyond formal practicums, giving future educators the tools and confidence to enter the profession ready to thrive.
She is also the driving force behind a long-standing school-university partnership facilitating professional development with Physical and Health Educators from across BC. Through this work, she ensures best practices in health education are shared and implemented in classrooms province-wide.
“I am a parent with an elementary-aged daughter. Without fail, the ‘best game ever’ or the ‘coolest thing in PE’ my daughter raves about can be traced back to something her teacher learned from Dr. Gruno. Students across Vancouver Island are experiencing more engaging, higher quality physical education because of her vision and passion.” – Dr. Jean Buckler
Excellence in Research Award
This award recognizes a faculty member with an extensive and distinguished record of research achievement, including scholarly publications, external funding, and contributions that have significantly advanced their field.
Dr. Kathy Sanford
Professor, Language & Literacy, Teacher Education
Kathy is an accomplished researcher whose work spans teacher education, gender studies, climate change education, digital assessment, feminist museum practices, and more. She has secured over $5 million in research funding and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 200 book chapters. Her research is recognized internationally for its integration with teaching, commitment to equity and decolonization, and community impact.
Kathy's scholarship is deeply collaborative and centers student mentorship—having supervised more than 60 graduate students throughout her career.
“Dr. Sanford is a generous collaborator, a rigorous scholar, and a transformative educator whose impact reaches across disciplines, borders, and communities.” – Dr. Bruno de Oliveira Jayme
Staff Excellence Award
This award honours a staff member who consistently provides exceptional support, guidance, and encouragement to students and colleagues, contributing to a positive and effective working and learning environment.
Amy Machin
Acting Administrative Officer, Educational Psychology & Leadership Studies
In multiple roles, Amy has continuously gone above and beyond to support faculty operations, programs, and people. She’s known for improving administrative systems, streamlining student placements, and helping faculty navigate complex processes—all while building strong relationships with local schools, departments, and university units.
Perhaps Amy's most remarkable quality is her ability to promote collegiality. Despite managing multiple demanding roles, she maintains a positive, solution-oriented approach that inspires those around her.
“Amy is the backbone of so many critical operations in the Faculty. She’s a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a joy to work with. Her leadership is quiet but powerful, and our community is stronger because of her.” – Dr. Kerry Robertson
Congratulations to all of this year's award winners!