糖心视频

Faculty of Medicine honours award-winning graduate students

Aug 23rd, 2024

Kelly Foss

Nearly 80 graduate students in the Faculty of Medicine have received over 150 individual prizes, fellowships and grants over the past year. Many also published research as a primary author.

They were honoured at the faculty鈥檚 annual Graduate Student Awards and Achievements luncheon on June 27.

Four graduate students holding certificates and their supervisor.
Aswathy Geetha Manukumar, Syamala Buragadda, Dr. James Valcour, Garreth Kippenhuck and Hugo Rojas Aldieri.
 Photo: Jennifer Armstrong

Strong program

鈥淎 strong graduate program is essential to the successful research enterprise of any post-secondary institution,鈥 said Dr. Rodney Russell, vice dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine. 鈥淲ith enrolment reaching over 300 students, the strength of our graduate program is evident.鈥

The accolades included Tri-Council funding awards, including CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships, as well as recognition from national bodies such as Multiple Sclerosis Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

A smiling woman and a man holding certificates.
Kayla Kitselman and Eric Mensah
 Photo: Jennifer Armstrong

鈥淥ur graduate students hold seven of 40 national awards from the MS Society, more than any other Canadian institution,鈥 said Dr. Ann Dorward, associate dean, Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine. 鈥淲e are very proud of our students for receiving local, national and international recognition. It is a testimony to their passion and dedication to their work.鈥

Enriched research

Dr. Russell also recognized the graduate students鈥 continued success with funding support from organizations like the Janeway Children鈥檚 Hospital Foundation, MITACS and a vast number of internal awards for academic standing and travel.

A group of students holding certificates in front of a window.
From left to right: Monawar Shahwan, Shona Campbell, Aderoju Lawal, Sadhana Banjade, Idris Bamigbayan, Yasamin Alidadi, Brooklyn Sparkes, Tessa Patterson and Fazle Sharior.
 Photo: Jennifer Armstrong

鈥淥ur students have created a noteworthy repertoire of acquired funding and their continued determination and passion has helped enrich the research happening in the communities we serve.鈥

Dr. Dorward noted the challenges students face when conducting research.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a lonely job,鈥 she said. 鈥淵ou really have to commit the hours and not everything goes smoothly. We understand what it takes to succeed, so thank you for all of your work. Ultimately you are going to contribute to good health outcomes.鈥