Please join us in congratulating M(M)A’s Senior Educator (Academic and Professional Engagement) and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, Nicole Knibb, for receiving the President’s Awards for Outstanding Service in 2025.
Nicole Knibb has made a profound and lasting contribution to interdisciplinary education, community engagement, and inclusive pedagogy at McMaster University. Through her leadership at the McMaster Museum of Art and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, she has connected visual art with health education, professional learning, and social reflection. Grounded in decolonial practice, equity, and mentorship, Nicole’s work strengthens learning, research, and community connection. Her sustained innovation and leadership continue to enhance McMaster’s reputation for inclusive, human‑centred education.
Director and Chief Curator Mary Reid congratulated Knibb on stage during the ceremony, and remarked, “over her career, Nicole has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and sustained impact through her work. Through the implementation of strategic design, delivery, and evaluation of interdisciplinary learning initiatives, Nicole has successfully connected the visual arts with professional, academic, and various other communities across the university and beyond.”
Nicole is a long‑standing co‑creator and steward of The Art of Seeing ™, a nationally recognized program that enhances observation, empathy, and reflective practice among medical learners, students, and leaders. Her work has expanded the role of the Museum as an academic partner and positioned McMaster as a leader in arts‑based, experiential education. During the pandemic, she led successful pivots to virtual and hybrid delivery, expanding access while maintaining program quality.
We asked Nicole a few questions:
When did you join McMaster/M(M)A, and how has your career at McMaster/M(M)A evolved since then?
NK: I began working at the M(M)A as a volunteer and as a work-study student in my third year in 1997. After graduating in 1999, I was hired full-time as an Information Officer. This role allowed me to build skills in art museum education, speaking with visitors and leading guided tours about the museum’s collection and exhibitions. In 2017, I became Senior Educator where I specialize in Health Humanities Art Education and Experiential Learning at the M(M)A. Since 2021, I’ve been an Adjunct Professor with the Department of Family Medicine.
Throughout my career at McMaster and the McMaster Museum of Art (M(M)A), I have championed a number of initiatives. One of the most significant has been the development of the museum’s Education Department. We have built a remarkable team and continue to deliver impactful and engaging programming for our communities. Another initiative I am especially proud of is The Art of Seeing ™, a visual literacy program developed in partnership with Dr. Joyce Zazulak and the Department of Family Medicine. Through this collaboration, Joyce and I have had the opportunity to work with many inspiring individuals on a wide range of programs and projects that extend beyond the original scope of the partnership.
I would also highlight the Futures Thinking and design work I have undertaken with Dr. Sean Park. Drawing on the expertise I developed through my Master of Design degree in Futures Thinking, it has been incredibly rewarding to translate these ideas into meaningful projects and real-world applications.
What is a career highlight during your time at McMaster/M(M)A?
NK: This is a hard question. I would have to say the excellent collaborations and partnerships I’ve been part of over the years. There are so many good colleagues and students that I’ve been honoured to work with and learn from. There are too many to count so I hope they will read this and know who they are!
What’s the story behind the development of The Art of Seeing ™ and what is it like seeing it evolve throughout the years?
NK: The Art of Seeing ™began in 2010. In 2016, inspired by programs at Harvard University and Yale University, we took a big step forward with the help of our McMaster MBA intern Kunal Tandan in expanding the program beyond Family Medicine and into other areas of health education, such as Midwifery—and also more broadly as community engagement. We have just worked with very keen McMaster Integrated Business Humanities fourth-year Capstone students to strategically plan for the future of the Art of Seeing ™. Looking at the expansion of AI, we hope the Art of Seeing ™ program can bolster care and discernment, ultimately the things that are truly human.
Nicole and Mary wish to extend their thanks to people who shown support of this nomination. These include Victoria Bui, Nancy Buschert, Lorrie Gallant, Dr. Sean Park, Diana Singh, and Dr. Joyce Zazulak. To learn more about the President’s Awards and other recipients, click here to learn more.
