Faculty of Science names a new associate dean, curriculum & pedagogy

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Chemistry Professor Hovig Kouyoumdjian has been named the new associate dean, curriculum & pedagogy in the Faculty of Science, effective Sept. 1, for a three-year term.

The associate dean, curriculum & pedagogy is a new role in the Faculty of Science and will play an integral role in the Faculty’s senior leadership team. In this role, Kouyoumdjian will provide leadership and direction for matters related to the Faculty’s academic programs and pedagogical innovation at both the Keele and Markham campuses, including diverse ancillary matters.

Hovig Kouyoumdjian
Hovig Kouyoumdjian

Kouyoumdjian is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, who brings together the best of the worlds of chemistry and education research experience. He has published in various scientific journals and has acquired experience in leadership roles at York University and other institutions.

After receiving his BSc in Chemistry, Kouyoumdjian pursued his MSc from the American University of Beirut in atmospheric/environmental chemistry. He received his PhD in nano-organic chemistry from Michigan State University (MSU) working on developing carbohydrate-functionalized nanoparticle vehicles for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease via magnetic resonance imaging. He was one of the fellows of the MSU Future Academic Scholars in Teaching (FAST) and received several teaching awards, including the MSU Faculty of Science Teaching Award and the MSU Excellence-In-Teaching Citation. He pursued his postdoctoral research Fellowship in chemical education at MSU working on Discipline Based Education Research (DBER). There, he focused on developing evidence-based tools for enhancement of chemistry teaching and learning.

In his role at York University, Kouyoumdjian has worked to develop effective instructional strategies to enhance students’ conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. His currently focuses on curriculum transformation using design-based research cycles. In 2020, he received the Faculty of Science Dean’s Special Recognition Award for his work on improving students’ experience in introductory chemistry courses and his participation in outreach activities. And, in 2021, he received the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award. In his new role, Kouyoumdjian will be a member of the Faculty of Science Dean’s executive team. He will report directly to Faculty of Science Dean Rui Wang.

Kouyoumdjian can be reached at hovig@yorku.ca.