Marie-Hélène Brisson
The University of Ottawa’s Excellence in Education prizes recognize educators of exceptional quality, who provide outstanding teaching while maintaining a solid research program. Profiles of each of the seven prize winners in 2006 appear in the Gazette
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After talking for only a few minutes with Louis Barriault — recipient of a 2006 Excellence in Education Prize — one feels a sudden urge to change careers and launch into a life in organic chemistry!
Barriault successfully conveys his passion for organic chemistry by virtue of his teaching style. He is able to engage his students by emphasizing the current everyday applications of his science. He also favours personal anecdotes and experiences for driving home his classroom messages.
When asked for his source of inspiration, his response is simple: “I love what I do!”
An associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, Barriault insists that he is fundamentally a researcher, not a teacher. However, teaching diverse theories is an aspect of his work that he holds close to his heart. “Students put a lot into their studies. As long as I’m a professor, I owe them my best to make their investment worthwhile.”
Barriault’s novel and dynamic approach to understanding the synthesis of complex organic molecules allows his students to stand out from their colleagues. “Although the subject is a difficult one (it is taught to graduate students at Harvard), Barriault manages to successfully communicate it to undergraduate students,” states William Ogilvie, an associate professor with the Department of Chemistry.
The appreciation of numerous students who have kept in contact with Barriault is unwavering. A considerable number of students who knew him during their undergraduate studies have developed a taste for research because of him.
“Louis’ teaching is characterized by a tireless dedication and personal investment. He never counts his hours or complains about any problems,” explains Christian Detellier, former dean of the Faculty of Sciences. “Louis is fully committed to teaching his students, whether undergraduate or graduate.”
Less than seven years into his career as a researcher, Barriault possesses an impressive list of distinctions including a University of Ottawa Research Chair in 2006, the Young Researcher of the Year Award in 2005, the University of Ottawa Teacher of the Year Award from the Faculty of Science in 2005, and the 2000 Polanyi Prize in Chemistry—to name a few.
“It’s great to be honoured, but it’s not the reason that I do what I do. What is important to me is the fulfillment of the students and knowing that I may have had some influence in their lives.”
