Carmela Murdocca has been named the 2024-25 recipient of the Faculty of Graduate Studies' (FGS) Teaching Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to graduate education and mentorship at York University.
A professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and a York Research Chair in Reparative and Racial Justice, Murdocca teaches in several graduate programs including interdisciplinary studies, social and political thought, socio-legal studies and sociology.
She received the FGS Teaching Award in June 2025, presented to her by Alice MacLachlan, vice-provost and dean of graduate studies. MacLachlan praised Murdocca for the "exemplary care and attention she brings to cultivating [students'] research ideas and growth as scholars," underscoring the award's purpose to recognize ongoing excellence in graduate-level teaching, supervision and curriculum development.
Reflecting on the recognition, Murdocca shared, "Graduate supervision and teaching are among the most fulfilling aspects of my career. I draw immense inspiration from my brilliant and dedicated students, whose commitment to learning shapes and deepens my own approach to research and inquiry in immeasurable ways."
Carmela Murdocca receiving the Faculty of Graduate Studies' Teaching Award from Alice MacLachlan, vice-provost and dean of graduate studies, and Chloë Brushwood Rose, vice-provost teaching and learning, during a virtual Faculty meeting.
Murdocca's contributions to graduate education extend well beyond the classroom. Over the course of her career, she has served on nearly 100 graduate committees as a supervisor, committee member and external examiner. She has supervised five PhD students to completion, is currently supervising seven more and sits on an additional 16 doctoral committees.
That dedication to mentorship was central to her nomination, submitted by Sanjida Salman, a PhD candidate in sociology. Salman highlighted Murdocca's international scholarly reputation and her ability to communicate complex ideas central to critical race and post-colonial scholarship. Salman also emphasized the influence Murdocca has had on students, describing her as a source of inspiration who helped shape their research directions and motivated their pursuit of doctoral studies.
Further support for the nomination came from testimonials emphasizing Murdocca's student-focused approach and her efforts to build a sense of community among graduate students. Since 2019, she has facilitated regular group meetings designed to foster peer connection and reduce the isolation often experienced in the PhD journey.
These efforts to support student connection and collaboration have helped shape successful academic careers. Many of her former students have gone on to tenure-track positions at institutions such as the University of Toronto, University of Edinburgh, Toronto Metropolitan University and Université du Québec en Outaouais.
Murdocca's mentorship has also been recognized with additional honours, including the Geoffrey Marshall Mentoring Award from the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools, which celebrates exceptional support of graduate students throughout their academic and professional development.
When Murdocca received her award, Chloë Brushwood Rose, vice-provost teaching and learning, encapsulated the essence of Murdocca's contributions and impact of her work. "I want to thank you for your many contributions to graduate teaching and supervision, along with the exceptional support you've given to your graduate students here at York," Rose said.
For more information, visit the FGS Teaching Award website.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter
