Professor Doug Richards has a reputation for giving great lectures. Now, TVO’s televised lecture series, Big Ideas, has confirmed what many here at U of T already know — Dr. Richards is one of the best lecturers in the province.Big Ideas is now in its third year and plays an important role in raising awareness about the province’s greatest educators. Richards is one of 38 professors from across Ontario and one of 16 from U of T to be shortlisted. The shortlist was created based on student and alumni nominations in the form of 150-250 word emails.

Dr. Richards teaches lifestyle health and biomechanics here at the Faculty of Physical Education and Health. He started as a student at U of T in 1973 and began teaching at the university in 1991. “It’s my passion for what I teach and the relevance of my material that keeps me inspired,” says Richards.

The dedicated professor, who is also the medical director at U of T’s Macintosh Sports Medicine Clinic, received great accolades from one of his graduate students. “Professor Richards takes potentially-daunting material and makes the seemingly impossible possible,” says MSc candidate Marc Busato. “His passion is evident in every lecture, and it’s contagious,” he says, referring to his own experiences and to what he sees as a TA in Richard’s second-year Introductory Biomechanics class.

A panel of judges will choose 10 finalists from the list to deliver complete televised lectures on TVO’s Big Ideas program in March 2008.

The winner’s institution receives a $10,000 TD Meloche Monnex Scholarship.

Professor Richards also an instructor at the Mini Health School. The six-week learning workshop includes timely lectures and practical sessions and is open to the general public.

For more information on the Big Ideas program, visit tvo.org.