UBC's Mark MacLean awarded 2012 PIMS Education Prize

Vancouver, BC – Mark MacLean of the University of British Columbia is the recipient of the 2012 PIMS Education Prize. 

This prize, awarded by the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences, recognizes individuals who have played a major role in encouraging activities which have enhanced public awareness and appreciation of mathematics, as well as those who foster communication among various groups concerned with mathematical education at all levels.

"Mark MacLean is an amazing teacher of mathematics and a gifted educator. The UBC Mathematics Department and the PIMS community are fortunate to be able to count on his leadership and support in a wide variety of educational matters. He is uniquely qualified for this award", commented Alejandro Adem, PIMS Director.

Mark MacLean is an outstanding instructor making a major impact on teaching in Mathematics at UBC and beyond. He was one of the original members of the UBC Science One (first year Science) program and has contributed greatly to its success, with a personal dedication to enhancing the learning environment.

In addition to his excellent teaching, MacLean has taken leadership roles in course development, instructor supervision, tutorial centre management, and TA training. He has also chaired UBC committees on Scholarships and Teaching Awards.

His energetic outreach activities include leadership in the Euclid Contest and teacher professional development in the area of Aboriginal Education, in collaboration with PIMS. These activities support high school teachers and students throughout the greater Vancouver area and beyond. Together with Veselin Jungic at SFU (previous PIMS Education Prize winner), Mark has developed highly successful curricular material for children (including videos and texts) in the context of Aboriginal culture.

The 2012 PIMS Education Prize will be awarded during the annual Changing the Culture conference in Vancouver on May 18, 2012.

Special thanks to CGGVeritas: Hampson-Russell for sponsoring the 2012 PIMS Education Prize.

2012 PIMS Education Prize recipient: Mark MacLean