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Academic Skills at Trent: Find us in every college

Peterborough Campus

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Champlain College

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A woman smiling.

Susan Thompson, Academic Skills Instructor
705-748-1011 ext. 7589
Champlain 202
suthompson@trentu.ca

Susan was a TA in the School of Business for 15 years where she often worked with students to break down assignments (planning) and organize and synthesize ideas for writing (thesis and outlining). She is empathetic and encouraging. She often researches the theory behind learning strategies so she can offer rationale for particular techniques and processes. Her experience as a mature student is valuable in considering student experience and barriers in post-secondary education. Susan helps to coordinate the Academic Integrity Module and Academic Skills Writing Cafe. 

Areas of focus: Business, Sociology, Social Justice, and Science of Learning.

Lady Eaton College

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A woman smiling in front of the Otonabee River

Natalie Nelson, Academic Skills Instructor
705-748-1011 ext. 7027
Lady Eaton 119.6
nnelson@trentu.ca

Natalie loves talking to students about learning how to learn! Her background in education and student services makes her well-suited for supporting students with self-discovery of strengths and opportunities to develop skills and resourcefulness. Some of her favourite learning topics are organization, focus, and study strategies. In addition to individual appointments and classroom visits, Natalie is one of the Homeroom Program coordinators and supports many of the Academic Skills orientation initiatives for students transitioning to university learning. 

Areas of focus: Sociology, Education, Psychology, and Science of Learning.

Gzowski College

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A woman smiling.

Dr. Marisha Lamond, Academic Skills Instructor
705-748-1011 ext. 7681
Gzowski 214
mlamond@trentu.ca

Marisha is our science specialist (but students can talk science, writing, or study skills with any instructor); she creates our amazing science resources and keeps us up-to-date on particular standards in science writing and learning. She is also a good listener who is very patient and thinks about the details. Prior to her work in Academic Skills, Marisha used to support student in the Centre for Academic Testing and she has taught ESL (English Second Language). She and Susan coordinate events such as the Academic Skills Writing Cafe each semester. 

Marisha has worked in colleges and universities as an instructor and support staff. She enjoys listening to students and helping them find ways to connect and organize ideas in written assignments. She also likes helping students find ways to create balance in their schedule and break down big projects into manageable chunks. 

Areas of focus: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, and Global Justice and Development. 

Otonabee College

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Sumiko Polacco smiling

Sumiko Polacco, Academic Skills Instructor 
705-748-1011 ext.6291
Otonabee College W102
spolacco@trentu.ca  

Sumiko has worked in Academic Skills since August 2024. She believes that post-secondary is an opportunity for students to build strong functional skills regardless of their degree path. She enjoys helping students recognize that the skills they are learning during university are transferable between courses, programs, and beyond Trent. Sumiko aims to help students hone their strengths, and encourages them to make connections between their abilities within and outside of academia. She is particularly passionate about supporting student in developing their oral communication skills. 

Prior to joining the Academic Skills team, Sumiko worked for the Forensic Science department as support staff in forensic science, law, and science communication courses, and maintains a role as sessional faculty. She completed both her B.Sc. (Hons) in Forensic Science (2016) and M.Sc. in Environmental and Life Science (2018) at Trent. Through these experiences, she had the opportunity to conduct, supervise, and present (publications, 3MP/3MT, etc.) various research projects. 

Areas of focus: Forensic Science, Law, Biology, and Chemistry.

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A woman smiling.

Kate Dykstra, Academic Skills Instructor 
katedykstra@trentu.ca  

Kate made the switch to Academic Skills after working as an Accessibility Advisor for the past eight years. She has significant experience and expertise supporting neurodiverse students and those with learning disabilities. Kate's friends call her the Captain of the Grammar Police as she loves (yes, really!) grammar. In addition to helping students review their papers, she particularly enjoys sharing strategies for planning, organizing, and time management.  

Areas of focus: Linguistics, English, Education, Social Justice, and Disability Studies. 

Traill College

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A woman smiling.

Dr. Sue Beckwith, Academic Skills Instructor
705-748-1011 ext. 7580
Traill Scott House 102.3
sbeckwith@trentu.ca

Sue has worked in Academic Skills since 2017 and coordinates graduate programming, including weekly writing groups, graduate workshops, and one-on-one appointments. Sue is supportive and encouraging for all students; she takes time to understand what students need, so she can best support them. This yea, she has focused on student mentorship, including individual accountability and ensuring students reach their academic goals. She is also great at helping students with reading strategies, work plans, and outlines for writing projects for both graduate and undergraduate students. 

Sue has three degrees from Trent and has been an Academic Skills Instructor for eight years. She is familiar with the needs of students at many levels of study. She enjoys working with mature students and graduate students to help motivate them to move forward on their educational journeys. 

Areas of focus: Graduate Students, International Students, Mature Students, Anthropology, Business, and Social Sciences. 

Math Skills Instructor

Rebecca Han, Math Skills Instructor
rebeccahan@trentu.ca 

Rebecca is an experienced tutor who specializes in supporting students with math anxiety and diverse learning needs. She excels at identifying individual challenges and adapting instructions to meet each student's unique learning style. With a calm and patient approach, Rebecca helps students build confidence and understanding in complex math concepts, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for learners of all abilities. 

Manager of Collegiate Academic Supports

Erin Stewart Eves
705-748-1011 ext. 7600
Lady Eaton College Office
estewarteves@trentu.ca

Durham-GTA Campus

General Contact

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Durham-GTA Instructors

Pamela MacIsaac, Academic Skills Instructor
c/o (905) 435-5100
Room 101
pamelamacisaac@trentu.ca

Kara Morrison, Academic Skills Instructor 
905-435-5102 ext. 5202
Room 525 at the Advanced Learning Centre, 11 Simcoe St. N. 
karamorrison@trentu.ca

Trent University respectfully acknowledges it is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.

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Peterborough, ON Canada, K9L 0G2

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Durham Greater Toronto Area

55 Thornton Road South
Oshawa, ON Canada, L1J 5Y1

Phone: 905-435-5100

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