Mario Badr, assistant professor, teaching stream. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)
When Mario Badr isn't transforming the classroom experience for his computer science students at the University of Toronto, he's co-hosting "In the Loop," a popular podcast that helps undergraduates navigate their academic journeys.
In recognition of his dedication to student success, U of T’s Faculty of Arts & Science has awarded Badr an Outstanding Teaching Award – Early Career.
The annual honour recognizes teaching excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, focusing on classroom instruction, course design and curriculum development for early career faculty members.
An assistant professor in the teaching stream, Badr joined the faculty of the Department of Computer Science in 2020. Since then, he has made it a priority to help students build strong support networks, whether mentoring graduate students, supervising work-study projects, or co-hosting the "In the Loop" podcast with fellow teaching stream faculty member Diane Horton.
In the classroom, Badr’s use of active learning techniques, such as embedding "worked examples" in lectures, allows students to engage more deeply with the material. This step-by-step approach has been especially effective in challenging courses, making complex concepts more accessible and boosting student confidence.
But Badr’s impact extends beyond individual courses. His leadership in curriculum development has broadened learning opportunities for students, most notably through his proposal and launch of CSC368: Computer Architecture. Drawing on his PhD research, the course quickly filled with a substantial waitlist, highlighting the demand for innovative and specialized offerings.
Badr is also a leader in strengthening the department’s learning community. He plays an active role in Computing Education Research conferences and the Arts & Science Teaching & Learning Community of Practice, sharing insights and collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines.
His work with the DCS Ambassadors program has strengthened connections between upper-year students and incoming cohorts, offering mentorship that fosters academic and personal growth.
“Mario’s enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and this award is a reflection of his significant efforts,” said Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. “Mario’s work improves the learning experience for our undergraduate students and sets a high standard for innovative course development."