President's Awards 2023

PRE S I DE N T’ S AWA R DS 2 0 2 3

THE PRESIDENT’S AWARDS shine a spotlight on people who are among the most commendable members of the Memorial University community — teachers, researchers, service providers and publicly engaged groups and individuals nominated by their peers. The recipients have distinguished themselves by helping nurture big ideas and by inspiring co-workers, students and others. They are true leaders on campus and in the community.

THE AWARDS DISTINGUISHED TEACHING

Recognizes teaching excellence. Each recipient receives a grant as well as a travel award from the Office of the President.

OUTSTANDING TEACHING | FACULTY

Recognizes outstanding teaching by a faculty member. Each recipient receives an award to be used in support of teaching activities and professional development.

OUTSTANDING TEACHING | LECTURERS & INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

Recognizes outstanding teaching by a lecturer or instructional staff member. Each recipient receives an award to be used in support of teaching activities and professional development.

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION

Recognizes outstanding supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. Each recipient receives an award to be used in support of activities related to graduate student supervision.

OUTSTANDING RESEARCH

Recognizes researchers who have made outstanding contributions to their scholarly disciplines. Each award includes a research grant.

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROFESSOR

A designation above the rank of professor, this is the most prestigious award the university gives for research. This award goes to faculty who have demonstrated a consistently high level of scholarship and whose research is of truly international stature. The designation carries with it a research grant each year for five years and a reduced teaching schedule.

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | CHAMPION OF SERVICE

Awarded to individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to listening and being responsive to students, the Memorial community, alumni, employers, business and/or community partners; fostering an environment where others thrive; advancing Memorial’s reputation; and developing relationships based upon attentive listening, openness, transparency and trust.

Each recipient receives an award.

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | CHAMPION OF INNOVATION

Awarded to individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to novel approaches, invigorating practices, sustainable operations and experimenting with bold endeavours. Each recipient receives an award.

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | TEAM MEMORIAL

Awarded to a team that demonstrates extraordinary collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches and creative means to engage across locations and/or clearly demonstrates a commitment to working across units and locations to collaboratively align towards Memorial’s vision and goals. Team members share an award.

EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE

Recognizes faculty or staff who have demonstrated exceptional voluntary contributions to communities or organizations, with significant impact beyond what might normally be considered academic or professional service. Each recipient receives an award.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Celebrates exemplary university-community collaboration. Projects receive an award and are featured in a short video produced by CITL.

JOHN LEWIS PATON DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSORSHIP

Named for the first president of Memorial University College, this award recognizes faculty who embody the university’s mission by demonstrating exceptional teaching, undertaking world-class research and sharing their knowledge and expertise widely.

The award is comprised of the lifetime designation Distinguished University Professor and a one-time unrestricted grant to support future research, teaching and/or public engagement activities at Memorial University.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHING

AMY HURFORD Dr. Amy Hurford, an associate professor in the departments of Biology, and Mathematics and Statistics, is an educator and researcher with 11 years of dedicated service. Her passion for teaching is not only evident, but infectious, making even the most challenging topics engaging and accessible to her students.

One of Dr. Hurford’s outstanding qualities is her willingness to continuously innovate, particularly in the realm of curriculum development. Students consistently highlight her exceptional leadership in this area, noting its far-reaching impact beyond the realm of Memorial University. Her dedication to the scholarship of teaching and learning, active participation in community engagement and involvement in teaching-related conferences underscore her commitment to advancing pedagogical practices.

Her teaching dossier provides a wealth of examples that showcase her ability to create positive learning environments, including giving students ownership of their learning journeys and adapting her teaching practices based on feedback and outcomes.

Her teaching approach is exemplified by her creative use of real-world data sets, demonstrating her dedication to finding diverse methods to effectively convey complex concepts. She works tirelessly to make quantitative work accessible, even to those who find it intimidating.

Dr. Hurford’s actions speak volumes, as they are reflected in her constant innovation, mentorship of graduate students in the Teaching Skills Enhancement Program and her participation in inclusive initiatives, such as the Atlantic Association for Research in the mathematical sciences summer school in Bonne Bay, N.L., on emerging infectious diseases modelling.

Her teaching philosophy prioritizes inclusivity, flexibility and a strong commitment to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s multidisciplinary world. Dr. Hurford’s unwavering dedication is centered on fostering a passion for mathematics and biology while preparing students for diverse career paths in academia, government and industry.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHING

PAUL ELLIOTT Paul Elliott is the academic director of the Master of Ocean Technology (Ocean Mapping) Program at the Marine Institute’s School of Ocean Technology.

His dedication to the scholarship of teaching and learning, particularly through his ongoing doctoral research, is a testament to his commitment in advancing educational practices.

His creation of the Geographic Information System short course, along with its successful transfer to other contexts, is recognized as a uniquely positive contribution and a credit to his effective teaching approach.

Mr. Elliott’s focus on specific teaching goals and their practical implementation, as well as the inclusion of student feedback, has been well-received and recognized as strong aspects of his teaching method. Colleague- and peer-based feedback further highlight Mr. Elliott’s teaching strengths and dedication to his vocation.

One significant strength is the alignment of his teaching philosophy with industry needs. This is exemplified by the practical labs he designed to equip students with skills and concepts directly relevant to the industry, a central principle to his teaching philosophy.

Another key area of recognition is Mr. Elliott’s commitment to educational leadership. This includes efforts related to program accreditation, curriculum development and taking on leadership roles within the institution. Such initiatives have been instrumental in shaping educational practices at the Marine Institute. Students were particularly grateful for Mr. Elliott’s adaptability during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of staying engaged with students and catering to different learning styles.

Mr. Elliott remains dedicated to providing students with meaningful and impactful learning experiences and eagerly anticipates further opportunities to contribute to the field of education and ocean mapping.

O U T S TA N D I N G T E A C H I N G | L E C T U R E R S & I N S T R U C T I O N A L S TA F F

CAROLINE KOENIG Caroline Koenig, the sole laboratory instructor for the Engineering 1030 course on Engineering Graphics and Design, is a seasoned educator who has left an indelible mark on Memorial University’s engineering education landscape.

Ms. Koenig has taught more than 300 students annually for more than a decade. Her commitment to teaching is not routine; it is an ongoing pursuit of improvement and innovation.

Her dossier stands as a testament to her dedication to student learning and engagement. It demonstrates a deliberate integration of risk-taking experiences and a relentless focus on enhancing the educational experience.

Her teaching practice is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, supported by a strong foundation of evidence-based methods. Her pioneering work in securing funding for teaching innovations and her forward-thinking approach in establishing

micro-credentials in computer-aided design placed her years ahead of her peers. She actively participates in professional development, consistently seeking opportunities to refine her pedagogical skills.

A recurring theme in her colleagues’ and peers’ comments is their profound admiration for Ms. Koenig’s teaching approach. Her passion shines through, making her a cherished and vital asset to Memorial University. Her commitment to accessibility, engagement and innovative teaching practices has had a long-term impact on students, leaving a lasting mark on their educational journeys.

Ms. Koenig’s teaching excellence, exploratory spirit and dedication to students make her a standout educator; she more than meets the criteria for the President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching. Her teaching legacy is apparent in her many successful students. As one observer commented: “Everyone needs a Caroline.”

Dr. Eric Vander Wal was the first member of the Department of Biology to apply for and obtain early tenure. He was also awarded early promotion to full professor.

Dr. Vander Wal has an outstanding record of mentoring 32 graduate and postgraduate highly qualified personnel, which includes direct output of 59 publications that have one or more highly qualified personnel as co-authors. In addition, 15 of his highly qualified people successfully obtained Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada scholarships, including at the master, doctoral, postdoctoral and postgraduate levels. He successfully recruited three Vanier doctoral scholars, as well as one Banting post-doctoral fellow, to Memorial University.

He is an expert in the ecology of large mammals and initiated an inclusive wildlife ecology team, the Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab. The lab includes nearly 10 per cent of all Memorial University biology graduate students. This team and the experiences the lab provide

are pivotal in training and developing highly qualified personnel. Dr. Vander Wal’s lab culture is “caring, inclusive, equitable, generous and kind.” One supporter noted that he emphasizes recruiting students with an equity, diversity and inclusion lens. One student wrote: “It has been life- and career-changing to find, in Eric, a steadfast advocate for inclusion and to have a constant cheerleader for my personal success.”

He provides the students he supervises with career advice and mental health support, as well. One supporter said: “The best supervisors are advocates.”

He enacts this belief in all that he does for and with graduate students and postgraduate scholars. In addition, for many of Dr. Vander Wal’s students, their relationship with him continues far beyond graduate school — a testament to his approach to graduate and postgraduate supervision.

Dr. Vander Wal received the 2021 President’s Award for Outstanding Research.

O U T S TA N D I N G G R A D U AT E & P O S T G R A D U AT E S U P E R V I S I O N

ERIC VANDER WAL

O U T S TA N D I N G R E S E A R C H

JONATHAN FAWCETT Dr. Jonathan Fawcett is being recognized for his fundamental contributions to the field of cognitive neuroscience, the creation of a high-calibre research program and an excellent rate of knowledge translation.

Dr. Fawcett, associate professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, is renowned for his innovative research focused on the mechanisms underlying the suppression of unwanted memories.

He also studies the clinical epidemiology of disorders that are characterized by an inability to push unwanted thoughts from the mind, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

His interdisciplinary research team has shown that individuals who have trouble controlling unwanted thoughts experience similar difficulties controlling mundane thoughts in laboratory tasks, as well. Related to this work, he is currently leading the first large-scale, multinational study — with laboratories from every continent and carried out in at least five languages — examining the claim that suppressing retrieval of an unwanted memory makes it harder to remember later.

He is an expert on the influence that weapons have on eyewitness memory. His work on the weapon focus effect has been used in court to justify the admission of expert testimony and has been cited in published legal rulings. He is creating Canada’s first virtual reality crime laboratory to study eyewitness memory under realistic conditions. Dr. Fawcett’s unique approach to this research balances fundamental questions across multiple disciplines with novel and impactful real-world applications.

He published more than 50 articles in global journals, supervised more than 65 emerging researchers and delivered insightful presentations at international conferences.

“Dr. Fawcett is a researcher of the highest tier,” said Dr. Evan Risko, associate professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Waterloo.

“He is internationally recognized across several distinct domains, is a careful and creative methodologist and experimentalist, an original thinker and an impactful theoretician.”

O U T S TA N D I N G R E S E A R C H

JAMES LEBLANC Dr. James LeBlanc is being recognized for his scientific contributions to theoretical and computational physics, his vigorous research studies and an exceptional rate of scholarly output.

Dr. LeBlanc, associate professor, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Faculty of Science, studies what are known as correlated electron systems. His specialty is developing cutting-edge numerical tools and algorithms to solve problems within quantum field theory.

A member of the Simons Foundation Collaboration on the Many-Electron Problem, which comprises acclaimed international scientists, Dr. LeBlanc is a lead contributor to solving one of the most challenging and pressing problems in science. The aim is to better understand the properties of molecules and solids within chemistry, physics and everyday life.

Dr. LeBlanc’s research group made a groundbreaking discovery by developing an algorithmic approach to solving a key component of the many-electron problem.

Rather than work out analytic expressions by hand, the group created an algorithm whereby a computer can construct and store complicated analytic expressions for virtually any problem. Their method pushes the boundaries of science to improve computational tools.

He is the author of 40 peer-reviewed articles in leading publications and delivered key presentations at national and international conferences. A dedicated educator, he mentors four PhD students, two master of science students and three undergraduate honours students. Committed to growing his field of scientific study, Dr. LeBlanc released several open-source computer codes that greatly benefit the computational physics community.

“I believe that the unique profile of James LeBlanc in the field of correlated systems, in combination with very strong theoretical and computational experience, will provide a world leadership for him in the future,” said Dr. Alexander Lichtenstein, professor, Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Hamburg.

O U T S TA N D I N G R E S E A R C H

JULIA LUKEWICH Dr. Julia Lukewich is being recognized for her exceptional scholarship in primary care nursing, the creation of a high-quality research program and her strong record of knowledge mobilization.

Dr. Lukewich, associate professor, Faculty of Nursing, focuses on improving the delivery of primary health care through the optimization of nurses within team-based models. She leads innovative and relevant projects through partnerships across Canada and the U.S. Her research generates important evidence for health policy and decision-making that is focused on the better integration and use of nursing resources.

Notably, she led a national team to develop competencies for registered nurses in primary care.

These competencies are being used by nursing schools across the country to inform curriculums. Recently, the College of Family Physicians of Canada invited Dr. Lukewich to lead the nursing component of an interdisciplinary, multimillion-dollar project to better the

delivery of team-based, collaborative primary care in Canada. Specifically, she is leading the development, implementation and evaluation of a national postlicensure education program for registered nurses in primary care.

A dynamic researcher, Dr. Lukewich produced more than 40 refereed publications and articles in national and international journals, presented her findings at more than 90 conferences and supervised more than 30 undergraduate and graduate students and research staff.

“Dr. Lukewich’s research is world class and the methods and approaches that she uses are thoughtful, rigorous and well executed,” said Dr. Gillian Strudwick, senior scientist and chief clinical informatics officer, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and associate professor, University of Toronto. “It is also clear that her work is beginning to have national and international reach, which is impressive.”

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROFESSOR

STEPHEN BUTT Dr. Stephen Butt is being recognized for his gamechanging mining research, the establishment of a vibrant research program with industry leaders and his exceptional research productivity.

Dr. Butt, Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is a global expert in the field of drilling technology. As a geological engineer, his research spans several engineering and science fields and focuses on the sustainable development of natural resources to maximize recovery with a reduced environmental footprint.

He developed innovative technology through collaborations with the natural resources industry.

A versatile researcher, Dr. Butt improved drilling penetration rates, including a technology that was then patented and licensed.

He led a partnership to investigate alternative mining methods to extract uneconomical ore veins. This resulted in his development of the sustainable mining by drilling method (subsequently commercialized by Novamera Inc. as surgical mining technology). The method significantly

reduces costs, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of ore produced when compared to conventional mining methods.

A dedicated mentor and accomplished scholar, Dr. Butt supervised more than 120 highly qualified personnel, published 240 articles and proceedings in prestigious journals, presented findings at national and international conferences and secured more than $20 million in funding as a principal or co-principal investigator.

He is the recipient of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Canada Region Drilling Engineering Award and the Canadian Society of Chemical Engineers Award for Design and Industrial Practice.

“Dr. Butt is a scholar of unparalleled dedication to research and creative activity,” said Dr. Davide Elmo, professor, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia. “His work demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of drilling, mining and remote sensing and exhibits a rare combination of innovation, depth and international impact.”

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROFESSOR

SUKHINDER CHEEMA Dr. Sukhinder Cheema is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field of metabolic health, the creation of a robust research program and her highly influential body of scholarship.

Dr. Cheema, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, is a global authority on maternal nutrition and its critical role in the predisposition to adult diseases.

Her leading-edge work attracted collaborators from the U.S. and India to study human breast milk composition and its impact on the well-being of newborns. Working with impoverished communities, she is developing novel nutraceuticals and reconnecting individuals with traditional diets to improve their health.

She was one of the first scientists in Canada to question if maternal over-nourishment (especially dietary fats) affects offspring metabolic regulation. Dr. Cheema’s findings demonstrate the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and the harmful effects of saturated fats.

Her recent work focuses on the significance of maternal omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to human

health. Dr. Cheema’s research group discovered that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids maintain pregnancy outcome and improve fetal brain development.

Dr. Cheema and her collaborators also found the composition of human breast milk of lean and obese mothers directly influences infant health. This work provides critical insight for health-care recommendations and interventions.

The author of nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles in international journals, Dr. Cheema trained more than 80 emerging scholars and secured more than $18 million in funding as a principal or a co-principal investigator.

“Dr. Cheema is one of the top researchers in Canada in her field and is well regarded internationally,” said Dr. Philip Calder, professor of nutritional immunology, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southhampton. “Her work directly contributes to finding solutions to food and nutrition insecurity for marginalized populations in Canada and around the world.”

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROFESSOR

GUANGJU ZHAI Dr. Guangju Zhai is being recognized for his transformative contributions to his field of medicine, the creation of a world-class osteoarthritis research program and an exceptional rate of knowledge dissemination.

An expert in genetic epidemiology, Dr. Zhai, Human Genetics and Genomics, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, has made a significant worldwide impact on the understanding of osteoarthritis while improving the lives of patients.

He established the Newfoundland Osteoarthritis Study, a biobank of joint tissue samples. His team collected samples from more than 1,000 patients; the collection formed the basis for osteoarthritis research at Memorial University and created a world-class resource for researchers, fostering national and international collaborations.

He advanced molecular techniques to identify novel metabolites — the products of metabolic reactions catalyzed by various enzymes. This work is helping to diagnose osteoarthritis earlier, ensuring patients receive the appropriate treatment at the right time.

A prolific researcher, Dr. Zhai authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications in top-tiered journals, including The Lancet and Nature Genetics. The publications have been cited more than 30,000 times.

He was listed on Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list for the study of arthritis and rheumatology.

He is a past recipient of Memorial University’s President’s Award for Outstanding Research.

He mentored nearly 20 undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. A soughtafter international expert, he delivered more than a dozen national and international presentations and secured more than $4.2 million in research funding as a principal investigator or as a co-applicant.

“Dr. Zhai is an outstanding and internationally recognized researcher who made and continues to make exceptional contributions to our understanding of osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Frank Beier, professor, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario.

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | CHAMPION OF SERVICE DISTINGUISHED TEACHING

AMY CARROLL Amy Carroll, administrative staff specialist II in the Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies, is a true champion of service.

Ms. Carroll ensures that the day-to-day operations of the office run smoothly. She is the staff and student “go to” person for advice and support and interacts with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and graduate supervisors daily. She helps supervisors and students navigate everything from stipends and contracts to payroll, awards, immigration support requirements, award ceremonies and convocation celebrations. With an average of 300 students across 10 different graduate programs, student support requirements are significant.

Ms. Carroll handles each request with ease and makes everyone feel like they are her top priority.

She is the point person for organizing appointment letters for all the Faculty of Medicine’s post-doctoral research fellows. She far exceeds the responsibilities

of her role and is an active advocate for students. She fosters a supportive and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. As a result, students feel valued, supported and empowered in their academic pursuits.

One of Ms. Carroll’s most notable strengths is her ability to make the lives of international students easier, as she always goes the extra mile to provide them with resources and support.

She was instrumental in bringing Gairdner laureates from the national and international arena to Memorial University. As a result, the university hosts the Gairdner Visiting Speaker Program, which is an opportunity for students, including high school students in the St. John’s and surrounding area, to attend lectures by renowned scientists.

Ms. Carroll received the Faculty of Medicine Dean’s Excellence Service Award (Management) in 2017.

Ellen Steinhauer oversees awards and honours in the Office of the Vice-President (Research). In this role, she provides exemplary leadership by profiling Memorial University’s research accomplishments and enhancing the university’s profile nationally and internationally.

For more than 16 years, Ms. Steinhauer has coordinated nominations for prestigious external awards and honours. This requires an up-to-date knowledge of the research landscape across the university and its campuses, as well as a strong knowledge of individual research programs. Ms. Steinhauer’s research knowledge enables her to identify potential award nominees and to encourage them to come forward for recognition.

She has a special talent for understanding what makes a nominee stand out and collaborates with many of them to write and revise nomination packages. She approaches her work with humour, patience and a commitment to make all nominees shine.

She advances Memorial’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals. She consistently brings forward the names of

women, gender minority and Black, Indigenous and people of colour scholars. Ms. Steinhauer contributed to and led several equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including the development of the university’s first research advisory committee on equity, diversity and inclusion, on which she serves.

Since its inception in 2013, Ms. Steinhauer has managed the pan-university Awards Advisory Committee. This committee identifies, nominates and recognizes individuals making a significant impact in their area of expertise. Under her guidance, the committee has grown in stature, inclusivity and impact.

Ms. Steinhauer manages all of Memorial’s internal research awards, including the John Lewis Paton Distinguished University Professorship, University Research Professorships, the President’s Award for Outstanding Research, the Terra Nova Innovator Award and the Marilyn Harvey Award.

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | CHAMPION OF SERVICE

ELLEN STEINHAUER

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | CHAMPION OF SERVICE

NADIA SIMMONS Grenfell Campus has one graduate office serving multiple programs and Nadia Simmons is at the heart of it.

Ms. Simmons administers procedures for all eight graduate programs and is a central resource for the associated students, faculty and staff. She is crucial in ensuring the demands of the office are met and that student expectations are not only fulfilled, but exceeded.

Ms. Simmons fosters an environment where students can succeed. Not only does she know every Grenfell Campus graduate applicant and student, she knows their individual circumstances, needs and preferences.

Her commitment to the welfare of all students is outstanding. She ensures their paperwork is in order, their funding is flowing and their supervisory committees are filled.

She goes beyond the expectations of her position every day and her support of students regularly goes beyond academic situations. Ms. Simmons is responsive, kind and accessible to students and, as a result, students seek her assistance with a wide range of problems. She has been a major source of strength for many graduate students during difficult times. She goes out of her way to help, whether with assistance or by just listening and giving advice.

Her interactions, clear communication and obvious care position Grenfell Campus graduate students for success. She has been instrumental in the growth of the graduate student program at the campus from a relatively small group of students to a large and thriving student body.

Ms. Simmons is a past recipient of the Dean’s Award for Service Excellence and the Vice-President (Grenfell Campus) Staff Service Award.

Vesna Kerezi is the program manager and communications specialist for Too Big To Ignore (TBTI), a global partnership for small-scale fisheries research.

Through Ms. Kerezi’s innovative thinking and creative ideas, Too Big To Ignore grew over the past decade to currently include 14 research clusters involving more than 800 researchers, 20 community groups and representatives of non-governmental and governmental organizations from more than 50 countries around the world.

Ms. Kerezi works to ensure effective collaboration and communication among all the members of this large and diverse network. She is committed to staying ahead of trends and embraces growth opportunities and best practices. When looking at ways to advance inclusive and equitable outputs, she had the innovative idea to produce e-books to disseminate research findings to the public.

To date, she has overseen the development of 15 freely available ebooks, as well as numerous other communications outputs that cover global and local research about small scale fisheries and oceans. The ebooks bring together authors with different lived experiences to learn from one another in pursuit of novel and impactful collaborations.

For each ebook, Ms. Kerezi guides authors through any barriers and challenges they may experience during its development and often features voices that are underrepresented in traditional academic publishing. Her efforts opened the conversation to readers who called for research that better addresses and mobilizes local and global efforts in small-scale fisheries.

Ms. Kerezi is also responsible for a website, social media content and a monthly newsletter, the TBTI Digest. With close to 2,000 subscribers, the newsletter is a leading source of all news about global small-scale fisheries and Too Big To Ignore’s work.

E X E M P L A R Y E M P L O Y E E S | C H A M P I O N O F I N N O V AT I O N

VESNA KEREZI

E X E M P L A R Y E M P L O Y E E S | C H A M P I O N O F I N N O V AT I O N

STEVEN BRADLEY Steven Bradley, budget analyst in the Office of the Vice-President (Administration and Finance), is an outstanding contributor to Memorial University. He showed exceptional ingenuity and dedication in his role by developing a financial reporting system that greatly enhances the efficiency and transparency of the university’s financial operations.

With the single click of a button, the system that he designed and programmed collects and summarizes monthly financial requirements in a simplified format and distributes them to departmental managers. Mr. Bradley uses the system to generate monthly reports for 113 units across 27 of Memorial’s faculties, schools and departments. He designed similar systems for Harlow Campus and the Faculty of Medicine employees, who use it to track operating, research and special purpose funds and to support transaction approval, financial management training and annual government reporting.

Mr. Bradley trained each user to read and understand budgets and other financial information contained in the reports and how to manage payroll actions in a timely manner. The system both streamlines the university’s reporting processes and ensures every department is knowledgeable about its financial data. He enabled units to improve their budgetary planning, optimize resource allocation and enhance their financial accountability.

He displayed exceptional leadership and collaboration skills by working closely with various departments, listening to their feedback and adapting the system to meet their needs. This commitment to inclusivity and adaptability made his contribution even more impactful and valuable.

Looking ahead, Mr. Bradley hopes to expand the system to encompass every department, setting the stage for transformative change that will benefit Memorial’s entire community.

IMMIGRATION ADVISORY TEAM, INTERNATIONALIZATION OFFICE Together, Abu Arif, Natasha Clark and Paniz Saremirad are Memorial University’s Immigration Advising Team.

Based in the Internationalization Office, the Immigration Advising Team plays a vital role in supporting Memorial’s 4,900-strong international student community. The three team members tirelessly provide immigration advice to each student by collaborating with academic and service units and external agencies. Despite their heavy workload, the team members consistently maintain a high level of service, as evidenced by the positive feedback they receive in student experience surveys.

Moreover, the team members actively seek to enhance their practices by engaging with their respective stakeholders. Through their learning series, they connect regularly with campus and community partners to improve the support they provide to the international student body. They participate in national immigration committees and have published articles on international student immigration experiences in various publications, including University Affairs.

The challenges posed by the pandemic underscored the significance of the team’s work. The team navigated changing immigration policies and ensured Memorial’s international students accessed learning opportunities.

Through creativity and an unwavering commitment, the Immigration Advising Team consistently goes above and beyond to support students.

They work tirelessly to provide timely advice and guidance to international students, often working outside their working hours to address evolving situations. In the last academic year, they had more than 20,000 student touch points and responded to 15,000 emails within one business day or less.

The team developed an innovative, outcome-based curriculum that not only helps students understand immigration regulations, but also educates them on reconciliation, inclusion and anti-racism.

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES | TEAM MEMORIAL

Natasha Clark (right), Abu Arif (left), missing from photo Paniz Saremirad.

EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE

SULAIMON GIWA A faculty member in the School of Social Work since 2017, Dr. Sulaimon Giwa is a trusted educator, advisor, community member and trainer.

Dr. Giwa balances teaching with significant community activities. He is instrumental in fostering co-operation between various community stakeholders and provides invaluable mentorship and counsel to organizations and government agencies at the municipal, provincial, interprovincial and national levels. He has been essential in addressing pressing issues ranging from social injustices and cultural enrichment to inclusion and accessibility. His informed, collaborative and inclusive approach to complex and sensitive issues established him as a respected community leader.

He focuses his time in spaces that advance the needs of historically marginalized communities. He is the co-chair of the City of St. John’s Inclusion Advisory Committee and the chair of the City of St. John’s Anti-Racism Working Group; a member of the City of St. John’s

Building Safer Communities Steering Committee; and is widely sought after internationally to provide expert affidavits and testimony in support of LGBTQ+ asylum cases. He serves on the boards of the Quadrangle Community Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Queer Research Initiative, Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Consortium Centre and numerous other committees dedicated to building a more inclusive and just society. This layered service directly impacts the awareness and development of inclusive and safe spaces in both the St. John’s area and in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Since February 2021, Dr. Giwa has been a key advisor in the development of Community Justice Connect, a developing conflict resolution and restorative justice program with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. Dr. Giwa’s service in the human rights space extends to the training of human rights commissioners on anti-racism practice and human rights.

SIKUMIUT COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Sikumiut means “people of the ice” in Inuktitut.

As the name suggests, for Inuit, sea ice is so much more than frozen water. It is directly related to identity and way of life. Ice connects Inuit to ancestors through the practice of important traditions and is central to deep connections between nature, place and people.

Ice also has practical implications for Inuit. For generations, knowledge of safe sea ice navigation was passed on orally from one community member to another. Due to the colonization of Inuit and the effects of rapid climate change, the importance of documenting this wisdom has become a community priority.

The members of Sikumiut, a SmartICE Community Management Committee comprising Inuit sea ice users in Mittimatalik (Nunavut), are responding to that need for their community.

Through close collaboration with Drs. Trevor Bell and Katherine Wilson, Memorial University, and Andrew

Arreak, Sikumiut co-ordinator and SmartICE regional operations lead, Sikumiut, which includes elders, hunters, youth and others, documented and shared Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ, Inuit knowledge and values) of safe ice travel.

The partnership produced community-specific ice safety travel tools, including an illustrated ice terminology book, travel safety posters, seasonal IQ-based travel hazard maps, weekly ice travel safety maps and a computer game for school-age children.

Sikumiut is supported through SmartICE and strongly emphasizes a cross-cultural approach to research that supports Inuit self-determination and adopts Inuit societal values.

Sikumiut’s work inspired other communities to embark on similar projects to document and share their safe ice travel practices and knowledge, while also providing practical guidance for non-Indigenous research partners to support Inuit self-determination in research.

P U B L I C E N G A G E M E N T PA R T N E R S H I P S

Members of the Sikumiut Community Management Committee in Mittimatalik and partners displaying their illustrated ice terminology book Sikumiut Sikuit Taigusinginnik (2022, 134 pages). Back (L-R): Katherine Wilson (SmartICE), Moses Arnagolik, Brian Koonoo, James Simonee, Andrew Arreak (SmartICE and Sikumiut Coordinator). Front (L-R): Ivan Koonoo, Sheati Tagak, Elijah Panipakoocho, Shelly Elverum (Ikaarvik). Missing from photo: Caleb Sangoya, Jonathan Pitseolak, Rachel Smale, and founding members David Angnatsiak (deceased), Gamalie Kilukishak (deceased), and Jaykolassie Killiktee (deceased).

J O H N L E W I S PAT O N D I S T I N G U I S H E D U N I V E R S I T Y P R O F E S S O R S H I P DISTINGUISHED TEACHING

PROTON RAHMAN Dr. Proton Rahman is recognized worldwide for his groundbreaking discoveries on the genomics of rheumatic diseases.

A visionary educator, he mentored a generation of physicians and researchers. His seminal scientific contributions guided public health policy as part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A clinical rheumatologist and genetic epidemiologist, Dr. Rahman, Faculty of Medicine, identified more than 20 genetic variants that contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. His work allows clinicians and researchers to rapidly identify diseases and to understand the diseases’ response to therapies. It also provides valuable insight into the diseases’ pathophysiology.

Dr. Rahman created the Newfoundland Genealogy Database, providing a comprehensive family history for more than 550,000 Newfoundlanders dating back to the late 1800s.

He published more than 700 scientific publications and abstracts that have been cited more than 25,000 times.

He wrote definitive chapters in authoritative textbooks in general medicine and rheumatology. As either a principal or a co-principal investigator, he secured nearly $70 million in research funding. A strong supervisor, he personalizes programs for graduate students and mentors them in their careers.

At the onset of the pandemic, the provincial government invited him to lead a predictive analytics team responsible for forecasting COVID-19 trajectories, determining health care capacity and providing public guidance.

In recognition of his influential contributions to academia and society, Dr. Rahman received the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Fellowship, the Canadian Rheumatology Association’s Distinguished Investigator Award, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and numerous prestigious awards from Memorial University.

“Dr. Rahman’s contributions demonstrate exceptional teaching, world-class research and a desire to share his knowledge and expertise through his clinical and volunteer work to improve the health of all,” said Dr. Dianne Mosher, professor, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.

J O H N L E W I S PAT O N D I S T I N G U I S H E D U N I V E R S I T Y P R O F E S S O R S H I P

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MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY | NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR | CANADA