The Department of Political Studies is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Kim Richard Nossal Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Named in honour of distinguished scholar and Professor Emeritus Kim Richard Nossal, the award recognizes exceptional undergraduate teaching within the department. This award recognizes instructors in the early stages of their teaching careers who have made outstanding contributions to the study of Political Studies through their work in the classroom.
Dr. Kaitie Jourdeuil (Buchanan Postdoctoral Fellow in Canadian Democracy in the Department of Political Studies) and Dr. Boyoon Lee (Assistant Professor) received the 2025-2026 Kim Richard Nossal Undergraduate Teaching Awards.
Dr. Zainab Olaitan (Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for International and Defence Policy) received an honourable mention.
The three instructors received inspiring praise in the student nominations, underscoring their meaningful impact on students’ learning experiences. Sofia Guido and Greta Speidel, co-presidents of the Department Student Council (DSC), shared the following remarks for each recipient:
Dr. Jourdeuil:
Students spoke so highly of Dr. Jourdeuil’s teaching, describing her as attentive, approachable, charismatic, and deeply invested in their learning. What stood out most in their nominations was the genuine care she brings to the classroom. Students feel that she truly wants them not only to learn the material, but to connect with it, question it, and grow through it.
Her classes were described as welcoming, engaging, and intellectually vibrant spaces where students feel comfortable contributing to discussion, exploring new ideas, and challenging their own assumptions. Through her teaching, Dr. Jourdeuil encourages students to think more deeply, support their claims thoughtfully, and engage seriously with complex political and Indigenous perspectives.
Students also praised her commitment to creating a learning environment rooted in respect, reflection, and inclusion. Whether through thoughtful feedback, approachable office hours, or the care she puts into course design, Dr. Jourdeuil has clearly made a lasting impact on her students.
Dr. Lee:
Students spoke very highly of Professor Lee’s teaching, especially the welcoming and supportive environment she creates in every class. Her lectures were described as engaging, thoughtful, and extremely well put together, and students consistently felt encouraged to share their opinions, ask questions, and participate in meaningful discussion.
Her teaching has clearly had a strong impact on students, particularly in the way she brings comparative politics to life and introduces topics and perspectives that expand students’ understanding beyond what is most familiar in Western contexts. Students left her classes not only with new knowledge, but feeling heard, supported, and inspired in their learning.
Professor Lee’s warmth, care, and dedication to her students have made a real difference in the classroom, and it is clear that she has already had a meaningful impact on the undergraduate experience in Political Studies.
Dr. Olaitan:
Students spoke very highly of Dr. Olaitan’s teaching, describing her as deeply knowledgeable, passionate, and committed to making challenging material feel clear, relevant, and accessible. They especially appreciated her ability to break down complex theories step by step, creating a classroom environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and engaging fully with the material.
Students also praised her for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Through her flexibility, attentiveness, and commitment to diverse perspectives, Dr. Olaitan made students feel heard, respected, and encouraged to contribute as co-learners in the classroom.
The department formally honoured the resipients at an awards ceremony in Robert Sutherland Hall on April 9, 2026.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients on their well-deserved recognition!
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