Maria Assif

Maria Assif is a Teaching Professor at the Department of English, University of Toronto. She serves as the Coordinator of the English Department First-Year Writing Course (ENGA02), Faculty Advisor for the UTSC/OISE joint Program, and Associate Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. With extensive experience in curriculum development, mentoring, and academic leadership, she has co-coordinated the Writing about Writing (WAW) Steering Committee at the CCCC and founded the Canadian chapter of Sigma Tau Delta (the International English Honor Society) at UTSC.

• Education: PhD in English (2005) from Case Western Reserve University with triple concentration in American Literature, Rhetoric, and Composition Studies.

Research Interests: Maria’s research focuses on writing studies and Arab women writers, including contributions to the critical database on Contemporary Arab Women Writing. She actively promotes relationship-rich classrooms, community-engaged learning, and global education initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships: Her funded projects include the CEWIL grant, UofT LEAF Seed Grant, and Global Classroom funds. She has also received mentorship opportunities like the Jackman Humanities Institute’s Scholar in Residence Program.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2022 University of Toronto President’s Teaching Award
  • UTSC Underground Best Professor of the Year Award
  • Fulbright Scholarship
  • Top Five Educators in Illinois
  • TVO Best Lecturer Series Nomination