The Faculty of Arts and Science celebrates excellence at the 2023-2024 Dean’s Awards

The Faculty of Arts and Science recently gathered in the Loyola Chapel to recognize outstanding contributions at the annual Dean’s Awards for Excellence ceremony. Held in a collegial and celebratory atmosphere, the event highlighted achievements across teaching, research, service, and community engagement.

Dean Pascale Sicotte emphasized the importance of celebrating the excellent work being done in the Faculty, particularly during challenging times, and commended the recipients for their dedication and impact. “Today we are taking the time to celebrate our accomplishments, our strengths, the contributions of members of our community,” said Dean Sicotte. “Because much of what we do holds the potential to contribute to the solutions our world seeks.”

This year’s awardees represent the Faculty’s vibrant academic community. Among them were scholars leading in digital humanities, social justice research, and neuroscience program innovation. Faculty members were also lauded for their transformative teaching, engaging graduate supervision, and commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

The event also featured the unveiling of two new Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs: Casey Burkholder (Social Justice in Youth and Child Studies in the Department of Education) and Rassim Khelifa (Global Change Ecology in the Department of Biology), whose work promises to drive innovation and impact. 

Here is a complete list of recipients:
 

2023-2024 Dean’s Awards for Excellence 

Excellence in Scholarship 

Established Researchers: 

• Sophie Marcotte (Études Françaises): Recognized for her work in digital humanities and leadership at the Figura Research Center. 
• Shannon Hebblethwaite (Applied Human Sciences): Celebrated for impactful research on marginalized communities at a local, national, and international level. 

Emerging Researchers: 

• Jason Bramburger (Mathematics and Statistics): Acknowledged for his impressive scholarly output in the fields of dynamical systems, applied mathematics, and data-driven methods, and his impactful knowledge disseminating activities. 
• Marie-Jolie Rwigema (Applied Human Sciences): Honored for her remarkable publication record and the social impact of her research on issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Excellence in Teaching 

• Senior Professor: Barbara Lorenzkowski (History) for fostering growth and her work with the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling. 
• Junior Professor: Nicolas Renaud (School of Community and Public Affairs) for transformative teaching and leadership in the First Peoples’ Studies program. 
• ETA: Jayson San Miguel (Psychology) for integrating experiential learning and creating an inclusive classroom environment. 
• LTA: David Grenet (Psychology) for his student-centered teaching approach and his commitment to enhancing the students’ learning experience. 

Excellence in Developing and Adapting Curriculum 

• Wayne Brake (Psychology): Recognized for revising the BSc Specialization in Neuroscience to enhance interdisciplinarity and students’ ability to tailor the program to their individual interests. 

Excellence in Graduate Supervision 

• Brandon Helfield (Biology and Physics): Commended for his strong support of graduate students and inclusive lab environment. 

Excellence in Academic Service 

• Kristen Dunfield (Psychology): Honored for contributions to the Centre for Research in Human Development and her impressive professional and scientific community commitments. 
• Anna Sheftel (School of Community and Public Affairs): Recognized for her leadership in promoting Concordia as a welcoming and diverse academic institution, and her involvement with the implementation of the Indigenous Land-Based Education program.  

Excellence in Service to the Faculty by a Staff Member 

• Candace Mooers (Philosophy): Honored for her commitment to the department, and her incredible resourcefulness in solving problems.  
• Olivia Ward (English): Lauded for her commitment to the careful management of all aspects of the department’s operations, and her incredible leadership in campus life beyond your official duties. 

Excellence in Community Outreach and Public Engagement 

• Amy Poteete (Political Science): Celebrated for the impact of her work and her engagement with the city and grassroots organizations seeking to protect urban green spaces. 
   

Canada Research Chairs 

Two new Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs: 

• Casey Burkholder (Education): Social Justice in Youth and Child Studies 
• Rassim Khelifa (Biology): Global Change Ecology