Above and Beyond Awards 2025

Deepkhushi Baidwan

As an undergraduate student in Psychology and Computer Science, Deepkhushi has gone above and beyond in community engagement as Peer Support and Administrative Coordinator for the Anti-Violence Project. As one staff member noted, Deepkhushi has made important contributions by "supporting students who have experienced gender-based violence, and brainstorming with the other AVP staff on how we can better serve students."

Sydney Biddell

As an undergraduate student in Political Science, Sydney has gone above and beyond in peer mentorship and support. As one student noted, "Sydney is a very active participant in class and is always there to help any peers or provide any support that she can. She is very proactive and is always there to help lead study sessions, provide notes to students who missed class due to illness, as well as being a note taker for almost all of her classes."

Janet Burlacu

As a graduate student in Economics, Janet has gone above and beyond in engagement within the department and supporting student learning. As one academic leader noted, "Janet is the model PhD student. Not only is she extremely engaged in all department activities, Janet is also an outstanding TA and instructor, always willing to help and learn new skills. Janet was extremely helpful when the department needed emergency cover for a course in the Fall."

Keith Cherry

As a Sessional Instructor in Political Science, Keith has gone above and beyond in innovative teaching and supporting student learning. As one student noted, Keith's "unique teaching style, creative assignments, and thoughtful approach challenged students to think critically and engage deeply with the material. He consistently went beyond traditional teaching methods, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where students felt encouraged to explore complex ideas. His passion for the subject and dedication to student learning made a lasting impact on me and my peers, inspiring meaningful classroom discussions and critical reflection. He was approachable, insightful, and supportive throughout the course, demonstrating care for both academic and personal growth. Professor Cherry is truly a positive force within the Faculty of Social Sciences, and his commitment to innovative teaching and student engagement exemplifies the spirit of going above and beyond."

Coco Cunningham

As an undergraduate student in Political Science, Coco has gone above and beyond in contributions to academic excellence and leadership as an award recipient and editor-in-chief of the undergraduate journal, On Politics. As one student noted, "she is a dedicated, hard worker who is unafraid to go the extra mile for her school and her work."

Sean Darling

As a Sessional Instructor in Political Science and Public Administration, Sean has gone above and beyond in promoting student learning and supporting academic programs. As one staff member noted, "Sean Darling  successfully maintains full employment as an Executive Director in the BC Government as well as engaging in sessional teaching opportunities at UVic and other BC academic institutions....Sean is always available to connect with our [Public Administration] students, and provides additional time outside of teaching, attending orientations and providing feedback on awards committees. He connects with staff whenever he is around campus and shares his positive, fun energy wherever he goes."

Tatiana Degai

As an Assistant Professor in Anthropology, Tatiana has gone above and beyond in promoting Indigenous resurgence. As one student noted, "Dr. Degai contributes to the revitalization of Indigenous peoples not only in Canada, but also in the United States and Russia, where her own community resides. She shares her knowledge and experience as an Indigenous scholar and leader with her community, students, colleagues, and decision-makers. In addition to the diverse work and leadership she provides to her community to resist colonization and promote cultural revitalization in difficult times....she is an inspiring leader, a hard worker, and a humble friend and mentor to her peers and junior colleagues."

Elizabeth England, Margy Gamble, Alina Fisher, and Loveleen Sharma

As staff in Environmental Studies, Elizabeth, Margy, Alina, and Loveleen have gone above and beyond in providing administrative support for the school. As one staff member noted, "the Environmental Studies office team...are the heart of our School. Together they make a wonderful group of skilled, kind, and supportive professionals, and their collaboration keeps our programs running smoothly and our community connected, ensuring that students, faculty, and partners always feel cared for and supported. Each brings unique strengths, but it’s their collective spirit that consistently goes above and beyond. They anticipate needs, solve problems with creativity and good humour, and handle unexpected challenges with grace. They embody the collegial and compassionate culture that defines our community and together make this a better place to work, learn, and belong."

Yaseen Hammoud

As an undergraduate student in Political Science, Yaseen has gone above and beyond as a recipient of the Governor General of Canada's King Charles III Coronation Medal and active member of the Political Science undergraduate community. As one student noted, "Yaseen has been an eloquent, intellectual, and significant contributor to UVic's Political Science program. He brings engaging discussions and contributions to his classes, including POLI 103, POLI 101, and Gender Studies. He is also an active member of the UVic Model UN club."

Richard Hebda

As an Adjunct Associate Professor in Environmental Studies, Richard has gone above and beyond in supporting student learning. As one student noted, "Richard is a wonderful teacher and has done so much for the field of restoration and the Restoration of Natural Systems (RNS) program....He has fought to make the world a better place and has been an inspirational teacher to his students."

Edwin Hodge

As a Sessional Instructor in Sociology, Edwin has gone above and beyond in supporting student success. As one student noted, "Professor Hodge is an astounding lecturer who has consistently provided guidance, support, and insightful constructive feedback to his students. He incorporates feedback on-the-go, and is extremely accommodating and approachable....he creates a supportive and cooperative environment, which consistently results in significant growth in students' skills."

Emma Hutchinson

As an Assistant Professor in Economics, Emma has gone above and beyond in supporting the student learning. As one academic leader noted, "Emma took over ECON 381 mid-way through the term...even though this meant she would be teaching every day of the week! This shows great commitment to our students and a sense of collegiality."

Adar Latak

As an undergraduate student in Psychology, Adar has gone above and beyond in community building and leadership as a founder of the UVic Polar Dippers Club and Popcorn Pals, among other service activities. As one student noted, "Adar’s energy and leadership turned every event into something special, not just about jumping into cold water, but about bringing people together, supporting each other, and doing good for the community."

Amy Levine

As Sessional Instructor in Anthropology, Amy has gone above and beyond in supporting student success. As one student noted, Amy has "made me develop a love for Anthropology that I didn't know could exist....Because of her I feel more confident in my identity, and I feel genuinely appreciated. She has supported me outside of school, and shown excitement for my successes."

Kiana Lustre

As an undergraduate student in Psychology, Kiana has gone above and beyond in volunteerism. As one student noted, "her gusto for the youth she works with is so inspiring, and she clearly makes a difference in these individuals' lives. On top of the work she is getting paid for, she spends multiple hours a week helping at the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR) where she helps traumatized immigrants and refugees, and at the cancer society she helps those who are coming to visit to receive treatment, [which] is a heavily emotional role that she handles with grace, empathy, and humility."

Duncan McCurrach

As a Sessional Instructor in Psychology, Duncan has gone above and beyond in supporting student learning. As one student noted, Duncan is "an amazing lecturer and turns complex issues and concepts into interesting and easily understandable content. He promotes engagement with the material in and outside of class, and he always takes the time to talk to you outside of class and on breaks."

Ulrich Mueller

As a Professor and Chair in Psychology, Ulrich has gone above and beyond in supporting student success. As one student noted, Ulrich is "an inspiring educator who deeply cares about students’ learning and well-being. He not only teaches with clarity and enthusiasm in class but also takes the time to guide and supervise students beyond the classroom."

Kai Muir

As a graduate student in Environmental Studies, Kai has gone above and beyond in community building by leading the school's colloquium series. As one academic leader noted, "for the past two years, Kai has handled all aspects of the colloquium – from scheduling to liaising with speakers to conquering technology in many modes to ensuring goodies are on hand – with complete competence and poise. A true problem solver, Kai navigates the inevitable last minute glitches with humour and ease. Kai has not only returned the colloquium to its pre-COVID importance in the life of the School and wider university community, but has so completely handled the responsibility that we all enjoy expanding our research brains as we know everything will be taken care of. A huge thanks to Kai for their dedication and energy."

Sophie Oke

As an undergraduate student in Psychology, Sophie has gone above and beyond in community building. As one student noted, "Sophie helps others around her grow and learn as well. She is [Social Media Coordinator] of the Psychology Undergraduate Students (PUGS) group at UVic and makes an effort to encourage folks in psychology to form community and learn more."

Ruby Amelia Parker

As an undergraduate student in Political Science, Ruby has gone above and beyond in community engagement. As one student noted, "Ruby goes above and beyond in student organizations, running meetings and study groups for peers, as well as attending political activities surrounding political science. Ruby participated and helped in the voting counting and processes in the previous federal election, and has implemented some of her knowledge of the ins and outs of Canadian politics into her work."

Katya Rhodes

As an Associate Professor in Public Administration, Katya has gone above and beyond in policy-relevant research and knowledge mobilization. As one academic leader noted, Katya's research on climate policy solutions has directly informed "BC’s, Canada’s, and the EU’s climate plans via improvements to low-carbon fuel standards, zero-emission vehicle sales mandates, and heat pump incentives delivering more biofuels, electric vehicles, and heat pumps to communities. She is a Lead Author on IPCC’s 7th Assessment Report that informs global climate negotiations and an Editor in Nature Communications Sustainability. Her societal contributions are recognized by the 2025 Emerging Sustainability Leader Award and 2023 CUFA BC Distinguished Academic Early-in Career Award. Dr. Rhodes excels at acquiring funding and mobilizing networks via her collaborations with elected officials, leading scholars, and advocacy groups. As a BC representative of Canada’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council, she provides advice on UN’s SDGs to federal Ministers. She presents at advocacy events by local MLAs, the Canadian Climate Institute, and Stockholm’s Institute for Future Studies. Dr. Rhodes has translated her studies into policy briefs and op-eds, including in the Conversation, Policy Options, CBC, and the Globe and Mail." 

Jill Robinson

As an Assistant Teaching Professor and Clinic Director in Psychology, Jill has gone above and beyond in student mentorship. As one student noted, "Jill cares so much for her students and will always do her absolute most to make them feel comfortable, welcome, and heard.... Jill has also been an incredible mentor to not only me but many students in psychology that have crossed paths or taken classes with her."

Jessica Rourke

As an Assistant Teaching Professor in Psychology, Jessica has gone above and beyond in supporting student success. As one student noted, Jessica's "compassion, support, and dedication truly make a lasting impact in the academic community."

James Rowe

As an Associate Professor in Environmental Studies, James has gone above and beyond in centering Indigenous perspectives and fostering accessibility in his teaching. As one student noted, "Dr. Rowe provides all the supports you need to learn, and calls upon Indigenous instructors. He is very flexible and supportive of disabled students, being one of the few willing to provide remote sessions."

Sarah Rowland

As the Graduate Secretary in Psychology, Sarah has gone above and beyond in providing administrative support for the department. As one staff member noted, "Sarah brings a positive attitude to work each day and handles her responsibilities with patience, professionalism, and a lot of grace....She goes out of her way to check in, find answers, and make sure people feel supported. That kind of support is rare, and she does it without looking for recognition or anything in return. We’re lucky to have Sarah in our office and in the department. She goes above and beyond in ways that really matter, and it makes a difference every day."

Kara Shaw

As Director of the Transformative Climate Action program and a Professor in Environmental Studies, Kara has gone above and beyond in academic leadership and the development of innovative academic programs related to climate action. As one faculty member noted, Kara has "made an outstanding and creative contribution to our campus and the broader community by leading innovative educational programs that empower collective action on climate change and social justice....Her work has directly benefited numerous campus interest holders and regional organizations, inspiring climate action through interdisciplinary learning and partnerships....Dr. Shaw is a leading force, supporting resilient and just communities through both her scholarship and her exemplary engagement with learners, colleagues, and the wider public."

Bryan Silverman

As the Undergraduate Adviser in Psychology, Bryan has gone above and beyond in supporting students with academic advising guidance as well as promoting the department's academic programs. As one academic leader noted, Bryan "promptly and sensitively responds to student and parent queries about a variety of matters (from waitlists to general advice) in a very knowledgeable way, handling a lot of student demand this term. He also presented our UG program well at events such as Science Fair, Meet the Dept., etc."

Ethan Smith

As a Desktop Support Analyst for Social Sciences, Ethan has gone above and beyond in providing IT support for the Faculty. As one staff member noted, Ethan "brings a consistently positive and professional approach to his work, and it makes a real difference for those of us who rely on tech support to keep things running smoothly....Even when his workload is clearly full, he still makes the effort to follow up, provide updates, and make sure you feel supported throughout the process....His work ethic and attitude set a high standard, and it’s clear he cares about the people he supports."

Jade Steel

As a graduate student in Environmental Studies, Jade has gone above and beyond in community-engaged research. As one faculty member noted, Jade's research has "tremendous, in-depth collaborations with Indigenous Peoples in the Pacific Northwest region....In one chapter that synthesized Indigenous perspectives on the Salmon Allocation Policy, she partnered with 50 First Nations and 7 First Nations organizations in British Columbia to co-develop a tool to assess this policy. In another chapter, she collaborated with 32 Nations and Native Tribes from Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to conduct in-depth interviews about Indigenous-led salmon monitoring. The final core chapter builds on a long-standing relationship Jade has had with the Heiltsuk First Nation in BC to analyze some 2000 dockside surveys with Indigenous and recreational fishers to inform Heiltsuk-led management of salmon fisheries."

Brian Thom

As a Professor and Chair in Anthropology, Brian has gone above and beyond in community service and public engagement through media outreach. As a staff member noted, "Brian Thom consistently goes 'above and beyond' with his community service by granting numerous media interviews on Indigenous land rights and titles. He is a 'go to' source for media who are writing about complex land title issues. Over the last few months, he has conducted over 20 interviews. Brian is generous with his time because he wants media to understand correctly Indigenous land title in B.C."

Peyman Vahabzadeh

As a Professor in Sociology, Peyman has gone above and beyond in fostering accessibility in his teaching. As one student noted, "Dr. Vahabzadeh puts in a lot of effort to make sure we thoroughly understand the topic, and is helpful to disabled students, with a great attitude...He cares."

Graham Voss

As a Professor in Economics, Graham has gone above and beyond in supporting student learning. As one academic leader noted, "Graham took over our Honours class mid-way through the term...even though that had an impact on his already heavy Fall schedule. His commitment to our students' success is much appreciated."