President’s Awards celebrate teaching excellence

From left: Brent McKnight, Mayu Nishimura, David Ogborn, Sarrah Lal and Michael Wong have been recognized with the 2026 President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning.

Five extraordinary faculty members are the 2026 recipients of the President’s Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning. The awards, which were presented during the recent Spring Convocation ceremonies, are the highest distinction for teaching excellence McMaster faculty members can receive.

“The recipients of this award have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication to the success of their students,” says McMaster President Susan Tighe. “Excellence in teaching is our highest aim, and we are all grateful for their commitment and hard work.”

Award recipients are nominated by peers, campus leaders or partners within the campus community, and nominations are evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the president.

Here’s a look at this year’s recipients, based on their award citations:

Brent McKnight | Associate Professor of Strategic Management, DeGroote School of Business

Brent McKnight brings learning to life through real-world strategic challenges that connect the classroom with industry.

A champion of experiential and interdisciplinary education, he has helped students develop the judgment, resilience, and confidence they need to navigate complexity.

As director of the Integrated Business and Humanities program, he has strengthened its vision while fostering innovation, reflection, and continuous improvement.

His leadership in sustainability education, social impact initiatives, and student mentorship has created transformative opportunities for learners and advanced collaborative, forward-thinking approaches to education across McMaster University.

Sarrah Lal | Associate Professor of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences

Driven by a belief that education can be a catalyst for meaningful change, Sarrah Lal has transformed how students engage with leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship at McMaster University.

Her interdisciplinary approach combines experiential learning with mentorship, empowering students to develop independence, critical thinking, and confidence. Drawing on expertise that spans science, law, engineering, business, and innovation, she has created programs that bridge healthcare, entrepreneurship, and systems thinking.

Through sustained mentorship and community-building, she has helped aspiring innovators launch startups, secure funding, and pursue leadership roles, inspiring a new generation of changemakers committed to improving health and society.

Mayu Nishimura | Assistant Professor, Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Faculty of Science

By connecting psychological theory to the challenges and opportunities of everyday life, Mayu Nishimura has created rich and engaging learning experiences for her students.

Her innovative approach blends storytelling, applied projects, and community partnerships to make learning meaningful and relevant.

With a commitment to continuous improvement, she has strengthened curriculum design while helping students develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills.

As a dedicated mentor, she encourages independent inquiry, leadership, and community engagement among undergraduate and graduate students alike. Through her scholarship and educational leadership, she continues to advance inclusive, impactful, and transformative learning.

David Ogborn | Professor, Communication Studies and Media Arts, Faculty of Humanities

Creativity, inclusion, and collaboration are hallmarks of David Ogborn’s contributions to teaching and mentorship.

Through experiential learning, embodied teaching practices, and innovative approaches such as Deep Listening, he encourages students to connect academic learning with lived experience and artistic exploration.

His pioneering use of specifications grading has improved transparency, reduced barriers, and supported stronger student outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, his leadership of initiatives such as the Cybernetic Orchestra has expanded opportunities for accessible, community-based learning in live coding, digital arts, and creative technologies. His work continues to inspire students and educators alike.

Michael Wong | Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences

At the forefront of educational innovation, Michael Wong has reimagined how students engage with science, technology, and inquiry-based learning.

Through creative course design and the integration of tools such as virtual reality, gamification, and generative AI, he has made complex concepts more engaging and accessible.

As leader of the Praxis Pathways Curriculum, he has shaped the educational experience of more than 900 students each year.

His commitment to global engagement, equity, and mentorship has fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful learning opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader educational community.