Graduate Students | Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS)

Graduate research at 91��ɫ U drives real-world discovery

qings — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:18:00 +0000

From plant defence in soybeans to epidemic modelling, 91��ɫ graduate researchers are tackling urgent scientific and social questions. The Faculty of Graduate Studies recognizes outstanding research annually through its thesis and dissertation prizes. The annual prizes – valued at $2,000 for doctoral dissertations and $1,000 for master’s theses – honour work defended in the previous calendar year that demonstrates originality, excellence and impact. This year’s awards highlight six projects that explored pressing questions with implications for food security, AI, public health, aging, air quality and workplace accessibility. Together, the projects show how graduate research at 91��ɫ connects scientific inquiry with real-world challenges.

Coming This Summer to FGS — Professional Development Badging for the 91��ɫ Graduate Community

vinish — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

This summer, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) will introduce a new way to recognize and celebrate professional development across the 91��ɫ graduate community. Beginning in May 2026, digital badges will be launched to acknowledge participation and achievement among graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, administrative staff, and graduate-appointed faculty.

The initiative marks an important step in highlighting the many ways members of the graduate community build skills, expand knowledge, and contribute to academic and professional life at 91��ɫ. Starting in Summer 2026, badges will be awarded for participation in FGS-led sessions, capturing a wide range of professional development activities.

For graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, these badges will recognize key milestones—from completing the Academic Honesty Module to participating in the Graduate Wellness Certificate and engaging in webinar series such as Scholarly Skills. They will also reflect involvement in workshops focused on scholarship applications, research development, and essential academic skills, helping participants showcase their growth in meaningful and tangible ways.

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As the initiative grows, it will expand in Fall 2026 to include administrative staff across the graduate community. These badges will recognize participation in the annual FGS professional development curriculum, supporting staff in strengthening their knowledge and enhancing their capacity to navigate the complex processes involved in graduate education.

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Graduate-appointed faculty will also play an important role in this initiative. In addition to participating in the broader professional development curriculum, faculty members will be able to earn badges for key skill-building opportunities, including supervision, conflict resolution, and effective mentorship.

Developed in partnership with , this initiative positions FGS among a select group of Canadian institutions offering digital recognition for graduate-level professional development. Owned by the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC), MyCreds is a national digital credential network that enables the issuing, receiving, and secure exchange of official and professional documents for qualification holders. FGS and MyCreds are excited to launch this innovation and look forward to expanding its impact across the graduate community.

Equity-focused certificate available for 91��ɫ U grad students

vinish — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:39:00 +0000

A new certificate is available for 91��ɫ graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to enhance knowledge and practical skills in decolonizing, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (DEDIA). The certificate is designed to help grad students apply DEDIA principles to academic work, research, teaching and professional settings. Co-created by the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (CHREI), the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Teaching Commons, the program uses a mix of self-guided learning, workshops and applied practice. The goal, says Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, associate dean academic, Faculty of Graduate Studies, is to strengthen students’ abilities to foster inclusive learning and working environments and to develop equity-focused leadership skills within higher education and beyond.

Nominations open for Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award

vinish — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:42:18 +0000

The Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award recognizes students who go above and beyond in contributing to the growth, development and vitality of 91��ɫ. Established in 2012, the award is named after Robert J. Tiffin, who served as 91��ɫ’s vice-president of students for nine years. Through his strong leadership, dedication and integrity, Tiffin transformed his team into one of the leading student service organizations in the country, serving one of Canada's largest student populations. All 91��ɫ students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to submit nominations for this award.

Canadian non-profits face barriers to advancing equity, 91��ɫ U study shows

vinish — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:16:52 +0000

Despite widespread commitments to equity and intersectionality, many Canadian non-profits face barriers to translating these frameworks into everyday practice, according to new research from 91��ɫ. The study led by Ashlee Christoffersen, a postdoctoral researcher hosted by the Department of Politics in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, aims to fill gaps in understanding how equity-seeking non-profit organizations in Canada apply inclusive frameworks. The research shows that while 2020 sparked renewed attention to equity in some organizations, many changes were short-lived or largely performative. Lack of diversity remained widespread, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles. The findings also reveal that internal practices often lag behind in advocacy efforts and equity work frequently falls disproportionately on staff from marginalized communities.

Following 50 years of Canadian life: 91��ɫ study chronicles education, work, family life of baby boomers

vinish — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:56 +0000

91��ɫ researchers have captured half a century of Canadian life in a landmark study that began in Ontario classrooms and now spans generations. Culminating in a new book titled The Story of a Generation, the research marks the longest-running Canadian generational study of its kind, following nearly 50 years in the lives of a cohort of high school students who graduated in 1973. The project originated with Paul Anisef, professor emeritus at 91��ɫ’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies who began with a survey of high school students to help the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities understand and project post-secondary enrolment.

New tools to strengthen graduate supervision, student success at 91��ɫ

vinish — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:41:57 +0000

91��ɫ’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is deepening its commitment to inclusive and effective graduate supervision with the launch of a new suite of resources developed by the Graduate Supervision Support Hub (GSSHub). Developed in response to growing calls for relational and responsive practices, the suite offers practical guides on topics ranging from neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support for mature learners and students in distress.

91��ɫ professor explores AI as creative partner in music making

vinish — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:34:33 +0000

When 91��ɫ Associate Professor Doug Van Nort steps onto a stage, he isn’t just surrounded by musicians – he’s surrounded by collaborators, both human and non-human. For more than a decade, Van Nort has been developing AI-driven machine partners, or machine agents, that improvise alongside performers. Much of that work has been done through the DisPerSion Lab, which he founded in 2015, to explore new modes of creative expression through technology. There, rather than imagining a future where AI replaces human creativity, Van Nort says he is intent on challenging artists to think, feel and listen differently.

Elia Scholars program drives graduate research that matters

vinish — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:38:30 +0000

Over the last 15 years, 91��ɫ’s Elia Scholars program has served as a critical engine for doctoral research that addresses society’s complex challenges. Recipients of the Elia scholarship drive innovation for a resilient future shaped by curiosity, creativity and community. One of the University’s most prestigious awards, the program provides multi-year funding to support first-year doctoral students poised to make transformative contributions – from advancing fire safety and sustainable cities to addressing health inequities and environmental threats. Established by the family of the late Mariano A. Elia, the scholarship – valued at a minimum of $35,000 per year for four years – eases financial pressures on outstanding doctoral candidates, creating space for research, collaboration and discovery.

Celebrating Excellence: Psychology Graduate Students Honoured

vinish — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:56:27 +0000

The Graduate Program in Psychology proudly recognizes 29 students for exceptional academic achievement, research excellence, and contributions to the field. Their work spans cognitive neuroscience, clinical interventions, social change, equity, and mental health advocacy.

Canadian Psychological Association Certificate of Academic Excellence
Master’s Level

Ana Badal (Developmental Science, Supervisor: Lara Pierce) – Associations Between Socioeconomic Stress, Engagement in Joint Attention, and Infant Neurodevelopment in 24- to 36-Month-Old Infants
Marina Charalampopoulou (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Jonathan Weiss) – A Therapeutic Photography Intervention for Autistic Young Adults
Hannah Tran (Social Personality, Supervisor: Kerry Kawakami) – Explicit and Implicit Perceptions of Facial Trustworthiness: White and Black Perspectives in an Intergroup Context

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PhD Level

Dr. Benjamin Diplock (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Debra Pepler) – A telepsychology-based social competence program for youth with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties during COVID-19
Dr. Rebecca Lewinson (Clinical, Supervisor: Joel Katz) – Gaming as a coping strategy during COVID-19
Dr. Elizabeth Wanstall (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Maggie Toplak) – Parent Mediation of Screen Media Use in Children and Youth at-risk of Attention Difficulties

CCDP Teaching Assistant Awards

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Patricia Colaco (Social Personality, Supervisor: Jennifer Steele) – PSYC 2010 Writing in Psychology
Samantha Feldman (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Mary Desrocher) – PSYC 6910 Psychoeducational Assessment
Michelle Hirsch (BBCS, Supervisors: Buddhika Bellana & Andree Ann Cyr) – PSYC 2010 Writing in Psychology
Suzanne Mckeag (Clinical, Supervisor: Joel Goldberg) – PSYC 2020 Statistical Methods I & II
Sonya Varma (Clinical, Supervisor: Skye Fitzpatrick) – PSYC 6422 & PSYC 2010
Danika Danylchuk-Wagner (Clinical, Supervisor: John Eastwood) – PSYC 4180 Critical Thinking

Research Fellowships and Awards

Norman S. Ender Research Fellowship: Ariel Shoikhedbrod (Clinical, Supervisor: Amy Muise) – When a Partner Supports Your Sexual Autonomy…
Sandra Pyke Award: Rebecca Dunk (Social Personality, Supervisor: Raymond Mar)
Clinical Psychology Student Excellence Award: Anna Waisman (Clinical, Supervisor: Joel Katz)
Graduate Student Award in Clinical Neuropsychology: Natasha Baptist Mohseni (Clinical, Supervisor: Matthew Keough)
Outstanding Doctoral Research in Clinical Health Psychology: Anna Waisman – The autobiographical memory system and chronic pain

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Outstanding Master Research in Clinical Health Psychology: Lojain Hamwi (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Rebecca Pillai Riddell) – Machine learning classification of EEG responses to pain-related vs non-pain-related stimulus in preterm infants
Graduate Student Research Award in Clinical Developmental Psychology: Alaina Thomas (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Yvonne Bohr)
Graduate Student Master’s Award in Clinical Developmental Psychology: Isabella Sewell (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Magda Wojtowicz)

Clinic and Service Awards

Dr. Louise A. Hartley Graduate Psychology Award: Natasha Baptist-Mohseni & Kaitlyn Butterfield
YUPC Award in Clinical Developmental Psychology: Stephanie McKenzie (Clinical Development, Supervisor: Debra Pepler)
Faculty Advisory Committee Commendation: Samantha Feldman

Historical, Theoretical & Critical Studies Awards

Fancher-Bakan-Danziger Awards: Neil Franchuk (Supervisor: Thomas Teo), Spencer Arshinoff (Supervisor: Chris Green)

Methodology and Specialty Awards

Michael Friendly Award: Gabriel Crone (Quantitative Methods, Supervisor: Chris Green)
E. Lynn Kirshner Memorial Scholarship: Lina Musa (BBCS, Supervisor: Douglas Crawford)
Ivana Guglietti-Kelly Prize: Lucas Norton (Clinical, Supervisor: Karen Fergus) – Cancer Recovery Narratives Pre- and Peri COVID-19
Mirka Ondrack Award: Miranda Too (Social Personality, Supervisor: Joey Cheng)

These awards celebrate students’ scholarship, research innovation, and contributions to psychology, both in academia and the community.

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