Professor Amy Bilton (MIE) has received the University of Toronto Global Educator Award for 2023.
Bilton is an associate professor with the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, and also serves as director of the Centre for Global Engineering (CGEN).
The Global Educator Award recognizes faculty members who embody U of T’s global mission and whose approach to teaching demonstrates intercultural or global fluency – the ability to successfully operate and communicate within different cultural contexts.
“Professor Bilton has provided students with innovative curricular and co-curricular opportunities that have developed their engineering skills in a global context,” says Alexie Tcheuyap, Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience, and chair of this year’s selection committee.
“I would like to personally thank Amy for empowering U of T students with experiences to work confidently across cultures and be a positive influence in the world.”
At CGEN, Bilton has greatly expanded the number of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain practical experience in applying their engineering skills to challenges brought forward by communities around the world.
Working with local partners, including many NGOs, these teams develop a range of solutions that are adapted to local needs and conditions. Examples include technologies that provide irrigation to crops without the use of electricity and harvest fog to provide water in dry areas. Some projects include opportunities to travel abroad and meet in person with project partners.
“Professor Bilton has built an impressive range of partnerships and collaborations that stretch all the way around the world,” says Christopher Yip, Dean of U of T Engineering.
“These projects are incredibly valuable for both the students and the communities they work with, and form an important part of our vibrant global network. On behalf of the Faculty, my warmest congratulations to her on this well-deserved honour.”
Bilton will be honoured at the University’s annual Excellence in Teaching Reception in the fall.
