2026 The Associate Dean of Learning and Innovation Besties (ADLIB) Awards

Manon Lepage, ADLIB (Biological Sciences)

What is your position title in the Faculty of Science? What does your work focus on?

I am a lab coordinator and support team manager in the Department of Biological Sciences, where I oversee the laboratory component of BIOL 108: Introduction to Biological Diversity. I design experiments, assessments, and teaching resources to support more than 1,400 students each year, and supervise approximately 30 teaching assistants who serve as instructors across the course’s lab sections.

What philosophy do you bring to your teaching in the faculty?

The labs are a rapid journey through numerous phyla and techniques. I structure them by breaking down concepts into manageable steps, helping students build understanding before reconnecting ideas within a broader biological context. Recognizing that the first terms can be challenging for incoming students, I provide tools for self-assessment and flexible supports (e.g., late credit extensions) to give students some leeway in managing their workload and navigating diverse life circumstances.

What was your reaction when you found out you'd received this award? What does this recognition mean to you?

I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues for putting my name forward. They are my go-to supporters, thoughtful listeners, trusted advisors (especially when a much-needed reality check is in order), and the best collective hive mind that makes every challenge easier to navigate.