Dr. Naomi Steenhof is recognized for exceptional early‑career contributions that are transforming student learning at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning across the health professions. Grounded in her research on adaptive expertise and productive struggle, she designs evidence‑informed learning experiences that promote reflective practice, innovation, and flexibility, capacities essential in today’s complex healthcare environments. 

Dr. Steenhof’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. Her rigorous education scholarship has expanded theoretical understanding of adaptive expertise through publications and invited presentations spanning pharmacy education, health professions education, and broader education science. She is increasingly sought after nationally and internationally, including invitations to present at MedEd on the Edge and leadership as Chair of the Connecting Health Professions around Education track at the AMEE Conference, where she creates platforms that elevate educational innovation across disciplines. 

At the University of Toronto, Dr. Steenhof has played a pivotal role in transformational curricular change, co-leading the development of Canada’s first accelerated three-year PharmD program, where her work on adaptive expertise helped shape course and curricular design and supported extensive faculty development. She is also deeply committed to student-faculty engagement, mentoring learners in clinical settings and maintaining a strong presence in co-curricular student life. 

As a Scientist at the Wilson Centre for Research in Education, Dr. Steenhof strengthens the culture of teaching and learning through mentorship, serving on PhD advisory committees, guiding research fellows, and leading mentorship initiatives.