U of T biochemistry professor awarded 3M National Teaching Fellowship

Stavroula Andreopoulos, a professor of biochemistry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, has received the 3M National Teaching Fellowship — Canada’s highest honour for post-secondary teaching and educational leadership.

Presented by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the fellowship recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching, educational innovation and leadership in Canadian higher education.

“Professor Stavroula Andreopoulos is an exceptional educator, dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to enhance the accessibility of education. Her commitment to pedagogical innovation, supporting the learning of students from underrepresented communities and the professional development of colleagues and students, brings immense value to the University of Toronto,” said Susan McCahan, vice-provost, innovations in undergraduate education and associate vice-president & vice-provost, digital strategies.

Andreopoulos’ accomplishment was honoured at the 23rd annual Temerty Medicine Education Achievement Celebration, where she co-delivered the keynote address on the future of education.

Andreopoulos has mentored thousands of undergraduate students, served as undergraduate coordinator in biochemistry, led scientific communication programming for English language Learners, organized career conferences and co-led pedagogical seminars for faculty and staff. Her work in e-learning, digital media and experiential learning has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals.

She also directs the only Amgen Scholars Program in Canada, a 10-week biomedical research initiative at U of T that supports undergraduate students — especially those from historically marginalized communities — in developing research and communication skills.

In addition to numerous teaching awards, Andreopoulos is consistently praised by students, who often describe her as “the best” in course evaluations.

For many, her influence extends far beyond the classroom. Arshvir Singh Dhari, a former Amgen Scholar, said the workshops she led, “continue to inspire how I view my career and have had a lasting impact on my decision to pursue medicine.”

Zaid A.M. Al-Azzawi, an MD/PhD student at McGill University, echoed that sentiment: “Dr. Andreopoulos has had a direct and continued impact on my career development, helping me achieve important milestones.” Inspired by her mentorship as an undergraduate biochemistry student at U of T, Al-Azzawi now mentors others.

While Andreopoulos is grateful for the accolades, it’s her students who drive her passion for teaching.

“For me,” Andreopoulos said, “making a difference in the lives of undergraduates by creating rapport and a sense of community, and subsequently positively impacting their career choices through my teaching strategies, constitutes the great and wonderful rewards of teaching — and that is truly a measure of success.”