Recognizing research and teaching excellence

Human and Social Development, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, Engineering, Education, Social Sciences, Graduate Studies, Science, Humanities, Fine Arts

April 10, 2024

Arial image of UVic campus with the words '2023 Reach Awards' written overtop

Twenty researchers, teachers and students are receiving University of Victoria’s REACH awards, which pay tribute to campus leaders who champion dynamic learning and make a vital impact at UVic, in the classroom and beyond.

These exciting awards allow us to acknowledge and celebrate faculty and graduate students who are creating significant impact in teaching, research and creative pursuits. This year’s 20 distinguished honourees are inspiring positive change in our communities through impactful research, and through their passion and dedication to creative and innovative learning experiences for students. Congratulations to the award recipients and nominees and thank you for your commitment and leadership.
- President Kevin Hall

In a ceremony on May 2, 2024, awards will be given in three general categories: Excellence in Research, Excellence in Teaching and the Provost’s Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and inclusion. In addition, five new awards were established this year - two new Indigenous scholar awards, the Early Career Research Award and the Award for Inclusive and Innovative Course Design.

2023 REACH Award recipients

Excellence in research awards

David H. Turpin Gold Medal for Career Achievement in Research
Julio Navarro, Physics & Astronomy

Silver Medal for Excellence in Research
Lin Cai, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Research Impact Award
Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya, Civil Engineering

Award for Excellence in Creativity and Artistic Expression
Yasmine Kandil, Theatre

Early Career Award for Excellence in Research
Makhsud Saidaminov, Chemistry
Brianna Turner, Psychology

Award for Excellence in Research Partnerships
David Harrington & Frode Seland, Chemistry

ʔəy̓ nəwəl ʔist | ÍY,NEUELIST | Moving forward together for the good of all | Indigenous Scholar Award for Excellence in Research
Jean-Paul Restoule, Indigenous Education
Christine Welsh, Gender Studies

Excellence in teaching awards

Harry Hickman Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership
Christopher Eagle, Mathematics & Statistics

Gilian Sherwin Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching
Andrew MacRae, Physics & Astronomy

Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision and Mentorship
Yang Shi, Engineering & Computer Science

Award for Inclusive and Innovative Course Design
Mary Elizabeth Leighton, English

əc̓əmaat kʷəns čeʔi ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ĆȺNEUEL OL ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN | Work together with a good heart and mind Award for Decolonization and Anti-Indigenous Racism
Susanne Thiessen, Public Administration

Andy Farquharson Teaching Excellence Awards for Graduate Students
Camille Zimmer, Civil Engineering
Lucie Kotesovska, English
Nahiane Pipaon Fernandez, Chemistry