Erin Styles, PhD
Early Career Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentorship
Graduate Faculty Teaching Awards
Biography
Dr. Styles pursued her undergraduate education in Biology and English Literature at the Universities of Guelph, and Sydney, Australia, and her PhD in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. In 2017, Erin returned to UofT as a faculty member, and was appointed the inaugural Director of the Masters of Health Science (MHSc) program in Medical Genomics in the Department of Molecular Genetics, where she is an Assistant Professor in the teaching stream. In addition to her teaching commitments within the Medical Genomics program, Erin has dedicated herself to curriculum design and implementation, and to building and launching a professional master’s program that provides practical, actionable training in medical genetics and genomics. A central theme in her teaching and research is exploring the role of active learner metacognition in the student experience, progress, and achievement, as well as on the development of meaningful course and program assessments of success.
Summary of Award Work
Dr. Styles is the chief architect and current Director of the Master in Health Science Program in Medical Genomics in the Department of Molecular Genetics. She spearhead the implementation of this program from day one, led the design and implementation courses over a 14-month period and managed the recruitment of faculty. Leading a small team of instructors, their combined efforts led to the first cohort (in 2020) to achieve 93% employment immediately after graduation.
From the Nomination
Dr. Styles maintains exceptional rapport with her students and is an incredibly compassionate and motivating faculty member and mentor.
About the Award
This award recognizes contributions to the training and experience of graduate students by faculty members within five years of their academic appointment. These contributions are evidenced by excellence in teaching, supervision or mentorship, and dedication to students.