{"id":3516,"date":"2025-04-29T09:54:21","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T16:54:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/?p=3516"},"modified":"2025-04-29T11:00:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T18:00:44","slug":"faculty-spotlight-dr-rob-vanwynsberghe-recognized-for-exemplary-supervision-and-mentorship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/edst\/2025\/04\/29\/faculty-spotlight-dr-rob-vanwynsberghe-recognized-for-exemplary-supervision-and-mentorship\/","title":{"rendered":"Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rob VanWynsberghe Recognized for Exemplary Supervision and Mentorship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This year at EDST Research Day, the department proudly presented the GAA Recognition and Appreciation Award for Exemplary Service to Students<\/strong> to Dr. Rob VanWynsberghe<\/strong>, in honour of his ongoing dedication to mentorship, relational learning, and transformative educational leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. VanWynsberghe\u2014affectionately known by many as Rob\u2014was nominated by his students for consistently going above and beyond<\/em> to support their academic, personal, and professional journeys. Whether guiding thesis work, organizing learning experiences grounded in sustainability, or offering everyday support, Rob\u2019s impact has rippled across the EDST community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One standout example: in response to financial barriers faced by students in the MEd in Sustainability, Regeneration, and Resilience<\/strong> program planning a trip to Haida Gwaii, Rob took it upon himself to organize fundraising efforts<\/strong>, ensuring no one would be left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cRob radiates the saying \u2018it takes a village,\u2019<\/em>\u201d noted MC Daniel Gallardo. \u201cHe promotes collaboration, fosters meaningful relationships, and makes people feel valued and supported.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

During his acceptance speech, Rob offered more than thanks\u2014he shared reflections full of warmth, humility, and wisdom. Speaking to the graduate students in the room, he delivered a talk he titled \u201cHabits and Superpowers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cOne of the things that has always struck me,\u201d he began, \u201cis how little my career resembled my training. I thought grad school would be a straight line into my professional life. It wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Instead, he encouraged students to think beyond milestones and degrees, and to focus on the habits<\/strong> that carry us through complexity. In a world increasingly shaped by polycrisis, Rob emphasized the importance of developing routines that sustain not just scholarship, but wellbeing and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWrite a little every day. Take naps. Escape the process when you need to. That\u2019s how you keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

He also reminded everyone to honor their personal gifts\u2014what he called \u201csuperpowers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cYou all have superpowers. Mine? I grew up on a farm\u2014I can get up early. That\u2019s been my edge. Two hours in the morning before the world wakes up? That\u2019s magic.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Rob\u2019s words left many in the audience both smiling and reflecting. His honesty, care, and down-to-earth approach to teaching and mentorship exemplify the kind of educator who makes a lasting impact\u2014not just on research or resumes, but on lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From all of us at EDST: thank you, Rob<\/strong>, for showing up with generosity, wisdom, and the kind of leadership that makes others stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore More from Research Day:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n