Chemistry and Biochemistry Senior Laboratory Instructor Dr. Umesh Parshotam will share his teaching journey, from his teenage years in Zimbabwe to his time at UNBC and how it has shaped his teaching philosophy at the 2023 Robert W. Tait Lecture at 1 p.m. on March 22 in the Bentley Centre.

“Learning is part of a student’s educational journey,” Umesh says. “My teaching philosophy seeks to not only expand a student’s knowledge but to provide them with skills to navigate unfamiliar terrain on their educational journey.”

Established in 2007, the Robert W. Tait Lecture is an annual event highlighting an outstanding UNBC faculty or staff member whose teaching innovations enhance student experience inside and outside of the classroom. This year’s presentation will also be available on Zoom and a recording will be uploaded to the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology video archive. 

Umesh has been a senior lab instructor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering since 1999. In that time his work has focused on developing innovative course curriculum in Chemistry for first- to third-year students. 

His teaching philosophy is centred around the development of student knowledge through scaffolding and spiral pedagogies, focusing on skill development to ensure student success. 

Umesh’s teaching has been recognized through nominations for the University Excellence in Teaching Award (2006 and 2012) and as the winner in 2010. 

In 2012, he received the Advancement of Information Literacy and in 2020 he was named the UNBC Timberwolves CapriCMW Insurance Unsung Hero of the Month award recipient.