Vesna Milosevic-Zdjelar

 BSc (Hons), BEd

Vesna Milosevic-Zdjelar is a gifted educator and mentor whose teaching has inspired generations of students at UWinnipeg with her pedagogical rigor, creativity, and compassion. She has transformed the way students experience science.

Known affectionately to her students as “Professor Vesna,” she is widely recognized for her ability to make challenging scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

Drawing upon expertise in astrophysics and cosmology, as well as broad knowledge spanning science, music, philosophy, and the arts, she creates learning environments that are intellectually rigorous. Her teaching demonstrates that science is creative, dynamic, and profoundly connected to human experience.

Her teaching fosters intellectual confidence while maintaining high academic standards. Many students credit her with fundamentally changing their academic and professional trajectories, including inspiring them to pursue careers in science, medicine, and research.

Her commitment to education is also reflected in her thoughtful and student-centered approach to assessment and mentorship.

Colleagues and former teaching assistants describe her as a generous mentor whose influence has shaped their own teaching philosophies and professional development.

Beyond the classroom, she has made extraordinary contributions to science education and public outreach through initiatives such as Let’s Talk Science. Her work reflects a deep belief that education is both a public good and a shared responsibility.

Vesna Milosevic-Zdjelar exemplifies the very highest ideals of teaching excellence and is an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Clifford J. Robson Award for Teaching Excellence.