UBC’s Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies (FHIS) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Teaching Assistant (TA) Award for their outstanding effectiveness as an assistant to the instructor, excellent command of the subject matter, and exceptional capacity to support students. They have had a positive impact on their peers, students, and faculty members who had the pleasure of collaborating with them:
- Shadi Rezaei (French Studies)
Shadi distinguished herself as an exemplary teaching assistant in language and literature courses. She demonstrated intellectual rigor, a strong sense of initiative, and sustained commitment in the courses for which she served as a TA. She supported both instructors and students by teaching several classes and providing insightful feedback. Her pedagogical skills, reliability, and empathy were widely recognized. Shadi also made a significant contribution to the training of her fellow TAs during the 2025-2026 academic year. - Paul Haase (Spanish Studies)
Paul’s remarkable dedication, leadership, and pedagogical excellence were widely recognized. In SPAN 201, he provided outstanding support to the instructor in a large class of 56 students. His commitment to students is exceptional, as evidenced by the numerous and highly positive comments written by students in course evaluations (SEI). Paul stood out for his strong professionalism, which fostered trust and motivation. His initiative allowed him to create pedagogical resources and lead cultural discussions, in addition to volunteering at the Spanish Conversation Table. - Daniel Orizaga Doguim (Romance Studies)
As a TA in RMST 202, Daniel stood out for his diligence, motivation, and resourcefulness. He demonstrated an exceptional ability to support students. In a course that combines a flexible syllabus, a flipped classroom, and contract grading, he showed a willingness to take risks and encouraged students to do the same and to find their own voices. Daniel particularly distinguished himself through his deep mastery of the teaching material and his extensive erudition, which allowed him to support the development of students’ thoughts and analysis. His personal qualities were also greatly appreciated by the professors, students, and peers who worked with him.
Congratulations to these students on their achievements! The Department is grateful for their remarkable contribution.
