Silvia Cardona

I lead a research group comprising undergraduate, and graduate students, and research technical personnel aimed to solve global issues, such as the emerging antibiotic resistance crisis. I am also the associate head of Microbiology (graduate affairs). 

My leadership style in the lab is through demonstrating enthusiasm and encouraging my group to find the answers to our research questions through teamwork and collaboration. As an associate head, I am committed to improving the microbiology graduate program, enhancing student experience and providing support and mentoring to faculty members engaged in graduate education.

The principle guiding my teaching is the belief that education is one of the most important human activities because of its most significant impact on the future of any society. I feel that the privilege of teaching science comes with the great responsibility of shaping the next generation of independent thinkers and innovators.

As a teacher and a mentor, my goals are to communicate evidence-based scientific knowledge to facilitate the development of scientific minds and instill a passion for science in the next generation.

My approach to teaching is to recognize that learning is a dynamic process of the human mind. Using tables and graphs containing experimental designs and data, I use student-centred, active learning techniques to introduce the concepts I want to deliver while developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. For example, I present the experimental method and results that led to that discovery and challenge the class to interpret the results and establish conclusions.

When mentoring students, I focus on the unique skills each trainee brings in the context of teamwork. To achieve my goals, I first establish an environment of collaboration and respect that celebrates cultural, gender and sexual diversity in science. Then, I work with each individual to identify strengths that can be enhanced and challenges that need to be overcome. 

I am attentive to the development of emotional intelligence in my trainees, which is demonstrated to have a high impact on career success. Finally, I deliberately act as a role model for them, showing passion for science, high work ethic and intellectual strength.