2023 Award for Excellence in Supervision: Nancy Forde

Department of Physics Professor, Dr. Nancy Forde’s philosophy for supervision has, at its core, the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Forde’s commitment to the whole student, is at the essence of why her graduate students find her to be a supportive supervisor, but also a colleague and lifelong collaborator after graduating as well.

Says Forde, “I welcome and actively recruit a diverse cohort of graduate students. I believe – and have found – that students coming from different backgrounds (scientific, cultural, socioeconomic) bring a welcome diversity of viewpoints that help our research team to forge new, creative directions and appreciate the importance of communicating our findings to the broader public.” 

Professor and former Graduate Chair, Dr. Malcolm Kennett, recalls seeing how Forde implemented her supervisory philosophy when they worked together in Physics Graduate Program Committee meetings.

“My own interactions with Nancy emphasized to me her deep-seated convictions about the importance of ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all in graduate school, as well as her passion for high quality science that inspires those she works with. I think that that support, along with the open and respectful environment she created is why so many of her students have indeed realized their potential,” says Kennett. 

Physics Professor, John Bechhoefer, shares how she has been laying the foundations of applying supervisory strategies that others are only now looking into more deeply.

Says Bechhoefer, “What I find extraordinary and particularly worthy of recognition for supervisory contributions is Nancy’s record as a group leader. In the last couple of years, concerns related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have come to the forefront in unprecedented ways. What has been striking to me is that the more I learn about the subtleties of EDI, the more I realize just how much of this program Nancy has already been implementing, years before others began to pay more serious attention.”

Ultimately, graduate students are the ones to benefit most from Forde’s supervisory practices. 

Former PhD student, Mike Kirkness did not plan on undertaking graduate school until his fourth-year biophysics lab changed his career trajectory.

Says Kirkness, “This was the exact moment where school didn’t become a chore but something I really enjoyed doing. That lab course resulted in an undergraduate thesis project under Nancy’s supervision, and eventually my masters which turned into a PhD all under Nancy’s guidance.” 

Forde’s former PhD student, Marjan Shayegan, shares how Forde not only started the supervisory process before she arrived in Canada, but also provided opportunities for co-learning in her lab.

Says, Shayegan, “Although we already discussed details of my research program before I arrived in Canada, she made the time in the first days of my arrival to clearly explain the details of the graduate program. And, while I had strong background in Materials Engineering, I did not have a significant amount of knowledge in Biophysical Sciences. She encouraged me to get in touch with the biophysicists in the lab and to take Introductory Biophysics courses, while she also asked me to share my knowledge in mechanical properties and materials sciences to other the members of the lab. Over time we found that this strategy of mutual collaboration was very successful.”

For women in Forde’s lab, Forde’s ability to model what it means to be a successful scientist and mother for the next generation of women scientists is crucial and very appreciated.

“Nancy as a successful professor and also a woman raising children, plays a significant role model of how to be a successful woman in science. I learned a lot about work-life balance from her, and continue to get her advice on overcoming the challenges of being a good enough mom while also being a productive scientist. These types of role models are critical for girls and women who wish to be impactful scientists while also taking care of their family responsibilities, too.”

The 2024 Dean of Graduate Studies Awards for Excellence are open for nominations. Deadline for nominations is May 17, 2024.