Pippa Lock loves the challenge of making the abstract concepts of chemistry come alive for first-year students.

The assistant professor’s approach to teaching and learning is so effective that she has been named a 3M National Teaching Fellow for 2014, an honour announced Feb. 13 by 3M Canada and The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Lock’s introduction-to-chemistry classes are big on interaction and participation, and even include skits where students act out chemical equations. Whatever it takes to foster knowledge and love for the subject, Lock is ready to try it, whether with large groups or in smaller sessions with Integrated Science students.

“I approach it feeling I always have something to learn,” she said. “I love chemistry and I am very passionate about getting other people to love the discipline and become familiar with it.”

The 3M fellowship is the only pan-Canadian, cross-disciplinary recognition of educational leadership and excellence in university teaching.

“To be recognized by one’s peers makes the 3M National Teaching Fellowship a truly special honour. We at McMaster are proud to see Pippa Lock named  to this prestigious group. Her work exemplifies the high quality of teaching and learning that we all aspire to.”

“Pippa’s commitment to teaching is apparent and infectious. She is a passionate, engaging educator whose skills, knowledge and enthusiasm create a powerful chemistry of their own,” said dean of science Robert Baker. “We are very proud to learn she has earned this honour, and to continue working with her in service to our students.”

Lock is one of 10 educators across Canada to be named fellows for 2014, joining 13 McMaster faculty members to have been named previously to the honour since it was created in 1986. Canada now has 278 3M National Teaching Fellows, representing a broad range of disciplines, from more than 80 universities.

“I am extremely honored. When I look at the other people included in this cohort, I am absolutely humbled,” Lock said as news of her fellowship began to spread. “I don’t look for this kind of validation, but to receive it is great.”

The previous recipient of MSU teaching awards, Lock said the climate at McMaster is especially conducive to innovation in teaching.

“I really appreciate my institution. I appreciate being at Mac and feel very supported here in being able to try new things.”