2009 Nominees - Education, Training and Development

Melania Alvarez 

Everyone can do math, according to Melania, whose goal is to transform the way students look at mathematics. By working to change the mathematics experience of students in BC, in particular Aboriginal students, Melania is having a tremendous impact on students’ futures. She has developed highly successful teacher training workshops, mentorship programs, after-school math clubs and summer math camps. She has also brought Aboriginal elders, teachers and mathematics together within the community to help enhance students’ education.

Gira Bhatt 

As a passionate educator dedicated to lifelong learning, Gira strives to extend, exchange and share knowledge with the larger community. As a Professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, she brings students, the community and academics together for action research on social issues. In addition to sharing knowledge, Gira helps students build employment skills and guides their practicum projects. Gira also offers education workshops, publishes educational pieces in mainstream media outlets and is a panelist on public forums.

Mary Anne Bobinski 

An outstanding leader and champion of excellence in legal education, Mary Anne has developed and sustained a wide variety of educational initiatives as the Dean of Law at the University of British Columbia. She has created scholarships, public lectures, and a new legal specialization, in addition to securing funding for a new law school building. Her passion lies in the health law field and she is a co-author/co-editor of two leading law casebooks, co-author/co-editor of a two volume set on medical ethics and has authored numerous articles and book chapters on health law topics.

Sophie Lavieri 

For more than 25 years, Sophie has worked to make chemistry and science accessible and fun to students from all backgrounds. Not only has she helped numerous university students understand a difficult subject; she has inspired thousands of BC’s children to take an interest in science. A true visionary, Sophie created Experimental Chemistry for Us to involve BC’s elementary school children in chemistry experiments, as well as the Science in Action and the Chemistry Work Experience Student programs to provide high school students with hands-on science education. She is an inspiration to people of all ages, encouraging a love of science.