Great teachers excite passion for learning - KHOA NGUYEN

Khoa Nguyen is described as "caring, hardworking and knowledgeable" with a "quiet unassuming presence and a genuinely happy smile". Every letter of support speaks to his kindness and warmth in motivating students to work through difficult material.

Nguyen has been teaching in the department for more than five years, often in courses that are among the most difficult to teach. Included in these is Applied Mathematics 026, a calculus course for first-year engineering students with multiple sessions and more than 100 students in each session.

He is continually searching for new ways to enhance lectures and is always well-prepared -- in fact, well before the beginning of term. Every letter of support referred to his patience in explaining complex concepts, often providing a customized set of notes on difficult problems. He has a passion for making students understand the topic.

One of his letters of support notes that his background is somewhat unique.

"He came from Vietnam as a "boat person", without friends or relatives and unable to speak English. He first obtained his electrician's papers, then a B.Eng from Carleton University and finally a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Western. This serves to demonstrate that despite his unprepossessing manner, he is an exceptionally determined individual. This, I'm sure, serves to enhance his effectiveness in a classroom".

The Angela Armitt Award recognizes continued outstanding contributions to the academic development of students.