Rate My Professor James Howard

James Howard is a Sessional Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Guelph, within the College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He earned his Master of Science in Physics from the University of Guelph, successfully defending his thesis titled "Quantitative, Biologically-Motivated, Computational Model for the Twitching Motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa" on December 14, 2017.

James Howard teaches introductory physics courses at the University of Guelph, including PHYS*1070 (Introductory Physics for Life Sciences), PHYS*1080 (Physics for Life Sciences), and PHYS*1300 (Fundamentals of Physics). He co-instructs laboratory sessions, such as those on momentum, echolocation, and acoustic resonance, and holds regular drop-in help hours in MacN 304 to assist students. In April 2023, he received recognition from Residence Life's Professors Recognition program for outstanding contributions to the student experience in PHYS*1080 and PHYS*1070. Students highlighted his engaging and fun lectures, clear teaching style that makes material easy to understand, patience and understanding with those needing extra help, approachability, passion for physics, use of real-life examples like his 'Thursday special,' and dedication to student success. Feedback described him as the most enthusiastic professor encountered, someone who made physics the favorite subject, and an instructor who relates content to real-world scenarios while keeping lectures enjoyable. He was also nominated for Favourite Fall Professor in 2019 and 2020 by Student Housing Services. Howard's teaching approach has notably enhanced student engagement and comprehension in physics.