Erica Speakman wins 2025 McMaster Students Union Teaching Award for Social Sciences

Erica Speakman, assistant professor in the social psychology program, has been awarded the MSU Teaching Excellence Award for Social Sciences.

The award, which is based entirely on student submissions, was handed out at the McMaster Students Union Teaching Awards on April 2.

Jessica Maxwell, acting director of the social psychology program, was thrilled to hear that Speakman won the award.

“Erica plays such an instrumental role in our program and curriculum,” said Maxwell. “As the instructor for SOCPSY 1ZZ3, she provides students with their first introduction to social psychology—and her enthusiasm is truly contagious!

“She goes above and beyond in mentoring students and supporting their success. Her office is always filled with students and laughter. We are so proud of Erica’s accomplishments and well-deserved recognition.”

Here’s what the students said about Speakman:

Erica has been my mentor for most of my time at McMaster; first as an instructor, then as a TA and RA supervisor, and now as a friend and colleague. I speak for many students when I say that I would not be where I am today without her support, guidance, and most importantly empathetic humor when everything is seemingly going wrong. She is the face of Social Psychology at McMaster University and I really don’t think they could find a better representative for the program, the discipline, or even the ideals of university education as a whole than they have with Erica.

–Sam Hartling, MA student in Sociology

Dr. Speakman has been such a delight to get to know throughout my undergraduate career. She is the most understanding and supportive professor that I have ever met, and I feel so lucky to have known her throughout my time at McMaster. I truly don’t know how I would have gotten through Fall preview without our lovely chats! Anytime I’m on campus, I always know there is an open office door close by. An office where I can go to have the most wonderful and hilarious conversation with her at any time, which truly means the world to me and so many others. Thank you for everything and congratulations Erica!

-Alyssa Mulholland, undergraduate student in Social Psychology

I’ve had the pleasure of learning from Erica throughout all four years at McMaster. Her enthusiasm and contagious laughter make all her classes incredibly engaging. With her support, I’ve been able to face challenges I never thought I could overcome and even thrive in areas that once felt out of reach. In my fourth year, I’ve had the chance to work closely with her as a teaching assistant, which only deepened my respect for the way she teaches and connects with her students. The passion she brings to everything she does continues to inspire me, and I know her impact will stay with me long after I graduate.

-Lyla Faroogh, undergraduate student in Social Psychology

The classes I’ve taken with Dr. Speakman have been a highlight throughout my university career, her passion and dedication for teaching shines through in every lecture of hers I’ve attended. You can also always tell she really cares about her students, anytime I’ve needed anything from her I was always been met with patience, understanding, and warmth.

-Justin Carriere, undergraduate student in Social Psychology