2024–25 UBC Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Winners
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of three exceptional graduate students who have been recognized for their excellence in teaching at UBC. These award recipients have demonstrated remarkable commitment, leadership, and pedagogical skill in their roles as teaching assistants, leaving a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve.
2024-25 UBC Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
Gizem Guryil
Gizem Guryil, a graduate student in the Faculty of Education’s Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education is a highly valued teaching assistant recognized for bridging theory and practice, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, and helping students connect course content to real-world classroom applications.
Known for her leadership, organization and responsiveness, Gizem consistently receives outstanding student feedback. Her passion, pedagogical skill and commitment to student learning are evident in her meaningful feedback, support for diversity, and proactive, team-oriented approach to teaching.
2024-25 Faculty of Education Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
Negar Khodarahmi
Negar Khodarahmi, a graduate student in the Faculty of Education’s Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, is celebrated for her leadership, warmth, and dedication to inclusive, engaging teaching. Students highlight her supportive presence and her positive, lasting impact on their learning journey, making her an exceptional teaching assistant and mentor.
2024-2025 Faculty of Arts Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
Johanna Mickelson
Johanna anchors her teaching in nurturing collaboration, promoting active participation, critical thinking, professionalism, and a commitment to her own continuous development. Through this, she cultivates a supportive yet challenging environment where students feel empowered. Student feedback affirms her success, with one student sharing that she not only helped them achieve academic success but also “taught me to believe in myself.” Another student said, “I hope one day to make the same impact in someone’s life as she has had on mine.”