Events that feed your mind and your body
Pizza and Pros is an informal speaker series that explores emerging and overlooked writing-related topics. Each session features a guest writing “pro” who shares practical insights and strategies you can apply to your own work.
Through these talks and interactive workshops, you’ll find:
- A welcoming, low-pressure environment
- Writing tips and strategies you can use right away
- Academic and research writing insights
- Space for conversation, questions and connection
- Pizza and good company
Join us for the conversation and skill-building—stay for the pizza and community.
Upcoming Sessions
Why Write? Considerations, Concerns, and Caveats
Friday, March 13, 2026 | 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Wilson Hall, New College- RM. 2007D (WI2007D) – 40 Willcocks Street
Not sure why your courses include writing assignments?
Curious about what it really means to “write for your audience“?
Wondering how AI might change the way you write?
Or thinking about whether academic writing will matter after you graduate?
Join Professor Robert (Bob) Gazzale, New College Principal and Economics Professor and Professor Franco Taverna, Department of Human Biology, for a discussion on the role of academic writing today — and in the future.
Whatever your discipline, course level or writing experience, this session will give you practical insights to tackle assignments with confidence—and a fresh perspective on why writing matters.
About the Speakers
Professor Robert Gazzale
Professor Robert Gazzale earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service with a focus in international economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and completed his PhD in economics at the University of Michigan. After eight years in the Department of Economics at Williams College, Professor Gazzale joined the University of Toronto’s Department of Economics in 2012 where he is currently Professor, Teaching Stream and formerly the department’s Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies.
Professor’s Gazzale’s research has investigated how an individual’s willingness to act prosocially depends on what others do. In the classroom, he received an Arts and Science Outstanding Teaching Award in 2022 for his dedication to enhancing student learning and experience. He serves on the University’s Academic Board and its Planning and Budget Committee. In 2024, he was installed as the 14th Principal of New College.
Professor Franco Taverna
Professor Franco Taverna received his PhD from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1995 and his BSc in Human Biology in 1990 from the University of Toronto. He is a neuroscientist by training, having studied the genetic and network mechanisms of learning and memory, navigation and cognition. He began his teaching career in 2002 in the Department of Psychology prior to joining the Human Biology Program in 2008, where he is currently Professor, Teaching Stream.
Professor Taverna is widely recognized as a leader in experiential learning, offering courses with opportunities for students to become immersed within communities and collaborate with community organizations to meet community informed needs that support health and well-being. He received the Faculty of Arts and Science Outstanding Teaching Award in 2019, was appointed the Faculty of Arts and Science Experiential Learning Advisor in July 2021, and received the Presidential Teaching Award in 2024.