Arrivals
Permjit (Pam) Buadhwal Mann
Library Technician
Pam joined the Physics Library on July 3, 2023. She previously worked at the Engineering & Computer Science Library (2001-2003), the UTSC Library (2004-2014), and the UTM Library (2015-2023). Pam has experience providing the following library services: circulation, resource sharing, curation, media, digitization, image editing, metadata, student supervision, reference assistance and reading list materials. Pam graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc 1998 (Biology & Physical Anthropology), a Master of Museum Studies 2003, and a Master of Information 2019 (Library Science and Information Systems & Design). Pam looks forward to employing her diverse educational and work experience to assist faculty, students and other Physics Library users.
Jonathan Hucker
Learning Services Specialist
Jon joined the Department on September 5, 2023, in the role of Learning Services Specialist. He previously attended Queen’s University as a physics graduate student and is currently finalizing his master's dissertation. Enthusiastic about physics, Jon is excited to join the U of T physics community and is motivated to provide students with innovative and creative physics demonstrations.
Helen Pham
ATLAS Project Coordinator
Helen joined the Department on September 27, 2023. Helen's professional background includes working in various academic hospitals, where she gained extensive experience in project management, change management, budget planning, and research grant contracts and administrations. She firmly believes in the phrase "Bloom where you are planted" and is excited to bring her expertise to the ATLAS project.
Departures
Daisy Yuan
Daisy joined the Department of Physics in 2018 as a part-time Library Technician.
Her presence at the Physics Library desk became a staple face for those who frequented the library, and a welcoming and helpful person to any newcomers.
During the pandemic closure of the library, Daisy became a pivotal player in services when access to the building was limited. Daisy coordinated chapter scans and access to materials during the tumultuous time when instructors were scrambling to adapt their courses to an online environment.
In October of 2022, Daisy accepted a full-time position as a library technician at the Kelly Library of St. Michael’s College. Daisy happily drops by the Physics Library on occasion for a quick chat during her lunch break. Although we were sad to see her go, we’re also happy that she’s quite close by and thriving in her new environment.
By Nuree Lee
Pius Santiago
In May 2023, Pius Santiago left his position as Learning Services Specialist to take up another position at U of T. Pius was hired for this role in April 2018 and if you carefully read Pius' job description, it sounds like an impossible task that cannot be completed without magic. From supporting outreach activities, making sure colloquium talks are accessible to broad audience, making sure everyone can attend departmental meetings and gatherings from anywhere, to ensuring large service courses are as good as can be - he does it all. I can say with full confidence [and Jason Harlow nodded when I said it!] that large service courses were taught at the level they were because of Pius's support. While not only being extremely knowledgeable about the resources available in the department, he is also a talented developer, who designed and built demonstrations we needed but didn't have!
And while this is not often recognized - Pius did every aspect of his job with unbelievable kindness and generosity of his time. No request for demonstrations (not matter how last minute) was too late and no need for assistance was too cumbersome for him to address.
By Professor Ania Harlick
Carolyn Sealfon
Carolyn's part-time term appointment as Assistant Professor Teaching Stream finished at the end of June. She held this position for three years, after several years as a sessional instructor. Carolyn is a dedicated instructor who cares deeply about the students she teaches. They in turn appreciate her passion, enthusiasm, and care. She was primarily involved in teaching lectures and practicals for PHY131 and PHY132, our two large first-year physics courses for students in the life sciences. Of particular note, as the pandemic moved all our teaching online, she was at the forefront of adapting our PHY131 practicals so that students could do them at home with a small kit of supplies. Carolyn also taught two of our fourth-year courses and provided valuable training and advice to our new graduate students with the Microteaching Course for Teaching Assistants offered at the beginning of each fall term. She implemented a variety of active learning methods in her teaching, as well as supervising undergraduate students in Physics Education Research projects. She was also actively engaged in the life of the Department, especially in the IDEA Committee. We thank Carolyn for her many contributions to the Department over the last several years and wish her future success and happiness.
By Kim Strong