Dr. Derek Lawther is one of the pillars of teaching in UPEI's Department of Physics and the undergraduate Science programs. He is a long standing member in Physics, and a major portion of his teaching is directed towards life sciences students in courses such as Physics for Life Sciences I and II, and Physics of the Human Body. He was critical in the development of Physics for Life Sciences as first-year courses, and the creation of the Minor in Medical and Biological Physics, having observed the need for context specific physics courses for non-physics majors. These courses are unique and were observed to be an exemplary practice supporting meaningful learning and engagement in physics through the adaption of content and structure, and the early adoption of a “learn to visualize, visualize to learn” teaching philosophy. As one former student, now a Doctor of Medicine, noted, the material presented in those courses is something they continue to draw upon today. 

Dr. Lawther motivates the learning of physics concepts by emphasizing the “cause and effect” of physics in a wide range of real-life examples and case studies. He brings his enthusiasm and vast knowledge across in multiple, well-integrated course components and learning environments that allow students to tailor their learning to what suits them best. Students consistently describe his courses as focused on understanding -- an understanding that goes beyond a course and can become an important knowledge base for a career.

If we talk about teaching innovation and managing online delivery, Dr. Lawther could be described as an “early adopter”. He has been using: screencasts of lectures, flipped learning, and clicker technology long before it became commonplace. More recently he has championed the development of dedicated online evaluation practices, online lab activities based on recorded videos and data, and experiential learning in research-based courses. It is evident that Dr. Lawther's teaching continues to evolve to better meet the needs of the students.

Students see a professor who not only knows how to put together engaging courses for them, but is also deeply concerned with their learning and well-being. “Caring” and “understanding” are among the most consistently used words about Dr. Lawther, who is always available for questions, and who always has time for a meeting or an after-class discussion. And as one student put it, “some students even tell students that aren't in his class to ask him questions because we know he will always help anyone!”

In recognition of his contribution to teaching at UPEI, the Faculty Association awarded Dr. Lawther a Hessian Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Full-Time Instructor in 2020–2021.