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• Michael Boutilier receives R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching

Michael Boutilier receives R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching

Western Engineering is proud to announce Michael Boutilier, professor in the department of chemical and biochemical engineering, has received the 2024 R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate outstanding commitment to student learning and educational leadership.

“I’m truly honored to be selected for this award and was genuinely moved by the many kind and thoughtful comments written by former students in support of my nomination”, says Boutilier.

Since joining Western in 2019, Boutilier has earned a reputation as a passionate and innovative educator. He teaches both core and elective courses, including the second-year Fluid Flow (CBE 2221) and the fourth-year technical elective Introduction to Nanoengineering (CBE/MME 4428). His teaching evaluations consistently rank among the highest in the Faculty of Engineering.

He is widely praised by students and colleagues alike for his ability to make complex engineering concepts accessible and engaging. His teaching philosophy centres on helping students develop a deep, mechanistic understanding of physical systems by focusing on a small set of fundamental principles applied across diverse contexts.

“Professor Boutilier has a unique ability to simplify complex concepts while maintaining academic rigour,” said Amarjeet Bassi, professor and chair of the department of chemical and biochemical engineering. “His students consistently praise his clarity, organization and enthusiasm.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he went above and beyond to ensure continuity and quality in student learning. He built a green screen studio in his home to produce high-quality lecture videos and developed at-home lab kits using everyday materials. His efforts ensured that students continued to receive an engaging and hands-on learning experience despite remote delivery.

Beyond the classroom, Boutilier has been pivotal in curriculum development and accreditation. He oversaw the department’s preparation for the 2022 Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) review, creating tools to analyze and visualize student performance data. His efforts have since been adopted by other departments across the faculty.

He is also a dedicated mentor who has supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate research projects. His students describe him as approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in their success. “He is an outstanding professor that always keeps the human aspect of education in mind,” wrote one graduate student.

In 2023, Boutilier received the Western Engineering Award of Recognition. He has also twice been named “Best Professor in Fourth Year” by graduating chemical engineering students.

Western Engineering congratulates Boutilier on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for his ongoing contributions to teaching and learning.