_{Screenshot of the Council meeting with Vice-Provost & FGS Dean Alice MacLachlan, Provost & Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps, Professor Amro Zayed, and Professor Alison Crosby}

Both Crosby and Zayed exceeded general supervisory expectations through their mentorship creativity, excellence and dedication to their postdoc fellows. This annual award serves to applaud and acknowledge all the important work performed by both professors and their postdoc fellows. Alice MacLachlan, Vice-Provost & Dean, Graduate Studies, said the two recipients embody the award's dedication to mentorship creativity, excellence and dedication. "You serve as a role model for all of us to follow," she added.

Alison Crosby

Crosby is an Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies. Her research projects and publications use an anti-racist, anti-colonial and transnational feminist lens and participatory methodologies to support protagonists’ multifaceted struggles to redress and memorialize harm in the aftermath of political violence, with a particular focus on Guatemala where she has worked for over 30 years.

Crosby is currently working on the SSHRC-funded research project . The project brings together feminist scholars, artists, activists, and community practitioners from a wide range of contexts and disciplinary perspectives to explore the transnational dimensions of how we collectively remember and memorialize colonial, militarized and state violence. The project also offered Crosby’s postdoc fellow, Dr. Ruth Murambadoro, with a space to house her research and become a part of this digital community.

“Prof Crosby embodies Ubuntu principles of communitarianism, humility, mutual respect, hospitality and so much more, which have enabled me to integrate and chart a new pathway for my career in Canada. She remains a key player in my life and role model, who taught me fundamental lessons on collegiality, humanness and effective mentorship,” noted Murambadoro in her letter of nomination. “I value the contributions that Prof Crosby has made in my research, scholarly and personal development over the time we have worked together.”

In response to the award, Dr. Crosby said, "It's my pleasure, privilege and honour to work with postdoc fellows." Of her nominator, Dr. Murambadoro, she said, "I look forward to my collaborations with her for many years to come."

Amro Zayed

Zayed, a Professor in the Department of Biology and 91ŃÇÉ« Research Chair in Genomics, is equally an exemplary intellectual leader, role model and mentor. He is currently the inaugural Director of 91ŃÇɫ’s Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BEEc), leading a research program on the genetics, genomics and behaviour of social insects using the honey bee as a model organism. 

provides ample opportunities to conduct high-quality research as well as network with academics and industry partners worldwide. The collective achievements of postdocs in his group are commendable, with a total of 28 peer-reviewed publications and 71 conference presentations. Through this dedicated work, Zayed equips postdoc fellows with the skills necessary to successfully navigate the increasingly competitive job market. Since 2009, Zayed has supervised eight exceptional postdoc fellows.   

“His approach to leadership has inspired us to seek creative solutions in research and to collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders. To this end, Amro exemplifies all of the characteristics one would expect of an intellectual leader and role model. He provides a unilateral environment of support to his research group. He is personally invested in our success and well-being, going above and beyond to help with professional skill development. He is actively involved in our career development, prioritising our long-term success over our short-term role in his group,” stated Dr. Sydney Wizenberg and Dr. Sarah French in their letter of nomination.

Dr. Zayed was caught off-guard by the award. "I was really surprised by this. When I started my career I never appreciated the joy of having postdocs." He said he has come to enjoy the contributions made by postdoc fellows and exceptional graduate students.

The Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award accepts nominations annually by no later than June 1 of each year. For more information, please visit: .

_{Screen shot of the Council meeting with Provost Lisa Philipps, FGS Dean and Associate Vice-Provost Graduate Thomas Loebel and Professor Sapna Sharma}

Sharma consistently went above and beyond her expected role, supporting the members of her lab, Sharma Lakes, by advocating for their personal as well as professional career development. This dedication was especially crucial within the context of the global pandemic and its impact on mental, financial and overall wellbeing.

“The past two years have been an unprecedented time with the Covid-19 pandemic and 91ŃÇÉ« frequently closing. In response, Dr. Sharma has prioritized the mental health of everyone under her supervision, including myself,” stated Dr. Alessandro Filazzola in a nomination letter. “She frequently checks in to ensure we are financially stable, whether we require leave, or have the necessary support should we decide to continue working.”

On the challenges of research during the pandemic, Sharma said “The students and postdocs in my lab worked incredibly hard to keep our research moving forward, despite the immense challenges of working remotely during the pandemic. I thank them for their work, supporting one another and the research program, and keeping the lab environment alive.”

Sharm’s area of research is also exemplary in nature. She examines how lakes worldwide respond to climate change, including rapid ice loss, warming water temperatures, degrading water quality and changing fish distributions. The work performed in her lab involves predicting the effects of environmental stressors, such as invasive species and habitat alteration, on lakes. This important research highlights the real-life repercussions of climate change, which can inspire others to seek out ways to create a more sustainable future.

“I am lucky to have a wonderful lab. I work with amazing students and postdocs. They make my work life fun and intellectually stimulating as I learn a lot from them,” said Sharma.

Outside of her research and role as supervisor, Sharma is an active member of the community. She currently holds the position of Vice-Chair of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIS), a charity committed to science public engagement, which demonstrates her dedication to science communication. Moreover, she is also the founder and Chair of SEEDS at 91ŃÇÉ«, an outreach program that provides refugee children who have recently arrived in Canada with additional educational opportunities in science and math.

“As a Provostial Fellow, Dr. Sharma has been working on a university-wide engagement strategy to build partnerships that focus on access to clean water, and in that sense is really taking hold of 91ŃÇɫ’s commitment in the University Academic Plan to further the UN Sustainable Development Goals”, says Thomas Loebel, Dean and Associate Vice-Provost Graduate.

FGS is proud to celebrate Sharma’s achievement and highlight her meaningful impact on members of the 91ŃÇÉ« community. The Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award acts as a way to acknowledge this dedication displayed by faculty who exemplify all the characteristics of an outstanding role model. “She has enriched the lives of her postdoctoral fellows. Her investment and commitment serve as a model for others to follow. She embodies the award’s dedication to mentorship creativity, excellence, and dedication” says Dean Loebel.

For more information on the award please visit: yorku.ca/gradstudies/postdoctoral-fellows/current-fellows/supervisor-award/

^{From left (top): Petros Faloutsos and Ellen Bialystok. From left (bottom): Provost and VP Academic Lisa Philipps and FGS Dean & Associate Vice-Provost Graduate Thomas Loebel.}

Lisa Philipps, Provost and Vice-President Academic, started off the celebration by announcing the awardees and stating, “I would like to take this opportunity to personally recognize you both for your exceptional contributions to postdoctoral research and development at the University.” Due to the postponement of last year’s ceremony, the first award was presented by Tom Loebel, Associate Vice-Provost Graduate and Dean of FGS, to the 2020 recipient to formally recognize this outstanding achievement.

Dr. Faloutsos of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at 91ŃÇÉ« is well-known for his work on composing controllers for virtual characters, which resulted in a prototype virtual stuntman that has received international media attention. In 2011, Faloutsos co-founded the GAMAY lab at the Lassonde School of Engineering at 91ŃÇÉ«, which he now co-directs.

In the letter of nomination, Dr. Brandon Haworth noted, “Dr. Faloutsos took the time to compile his many years of expertise for me into digestible conversations and documents. He had spent years helping me develop my CV and now he helped me develop my voice as a potential professor. He encouraged me to use my personal approach to CS, from a social critical perspective, to build a research program around my work. He also encouraged me to be introspective about my teaching and supervision and to consider ways in which I could lead in these areas.”

In his acceptance of the award, Faloutsos remarked on his gratitude and how deeply touched he was by the nomination. He thanked Brandon Haworth and said “I’m lucky in my career to work with excellent researchers, and good people. I work with a small number of postdocs and students, to work closely with them to help them build their research and their career.” He concluded, “91ŃÇÉ« is an excellent environment where postdocs can find success, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing my postdocs succeed.”

Dr. Bialystok is equally commendable, supervising more than 10 postdoc fellows since 2007. She is a distinguished research Professor of Psychology and Walter Gordon Research Chair of Lifespan Cognitive Development at 91ŃÇÉ« and Associate Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. Her discoveries include the identification of differences in the development of essential cognitive and language abilities for bilingual children, the use of different brain networks by monolingual and bilingual young adults and the postponement of symptoms of dementia in bilingual older adults.

“She is the favorite amongst national and international students to research bilingualism. She is an excellent mentor and supervisor. Her extensive knowledge and her reorganization of the lab due to the pandemic has even led to much more interdisciplinary experience for the trainees,” said Postdoctoral Fellow Noelia Calvo who nominated Bialystok. “Her strength, resilience, energy, dedication, and commitment amaze me and inspire me every day.”

Bialystok, in her acceptance, thanked both her current and past trainees, mentioning both Calvo and how honoured she was that many who had moved on in their careers were able to attend, “I’ve had a lot of awards but there is something very special about this one. There is no higher praise than hearing that gratification from those you are responsible for.” Bialystok went on to discuss her longstanding passion for research and remarking, “My students and postdocs that I collaborate with, and work through problems with, are part of the family and we all benefit from it.”

The Faculty of Graduate Studies is proud to celebrate the achievements of both Dr. Bialystok and Dr. Faloutsos and highlight their vital roles in the larger community at 91ŃÇÉ«. This yearly event is an important part of acknowledging all the hard work undertaken by both the postdoctoral fellows and their dedicated supervisors.

The Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award accepts nominations annually by no later than June 1 of each year. To learn more, visit: gradstudies/postdoctoral-fellows/supervisor-award.

A Canadian committee of postdoctoral scholars and representatives who meet regularly (and virtually) to discuss issues arising across the country relevant to postdocs. This website provides news, information and resources relevant to Canadian postdoc, and publishes job ads.

A Canadian organization of administrators and staff who support and promote postdoctoral affairs at institutions, and an authoritative source for news, data and information related to postdoctoral issues in Canada.

A U.S.-based, member-driven nonprofit organization that provides a national voice for postdoctoral scholars. The website provides some useful professionalization resources.

91ŃÇÉ« International, under the direction of the Associate Vice-President International, is available to assist all of 91ŃÇɫ’s international visiting scholars with their transition to 91ŃÇÉ«, Toronto, and Canada.

The Institute for Social Research offers short courses on various aspects of statistics and statistical computing, Recent course offerings have addressed factor analysis, structural equation modelling, graphical methods for categorical data, introduction to the R programming language, and mixed models.

Recognition will be given to one Postdoctoral Supervisor who has demonstrated exemplary support for postdoctoral scholars at 91ŃÇÉ«, exceeding general supervisory expectations. One Postdoctoral Supervisor will be honoured with the Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award at the Postdoctoral Welcome Event each fall.

Nominations must provide evidence that the nominee:

• is a role model for intellectual leadership and professionalism in research;
• provides an exemplary environment of support for professional skill development in research;
• promotes and models a climate of respect and collegiality;
• offers advocacy and guidance in long-term personal, professional and career development.

Letters of nomination should address specific examples of the nominee’s mentorship creativity, excellence, and dedication.

Eligibility

• All faculty in all Departments and Programs at 91ŃÇÉ« who supervise Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible. Nominees may be at any stage in their academic career.
• Unsuccessful nominations may be submitted for subsequent competitions, to a three-year limit. Nomination packages (or portions thereof) may be updated for subsequent competitions or the packages may be carried forward unchanged. Nominations will not automatically be carried forward.

Nomination Process

• The Faculty of Graduate Studies will initiate an annual nominations process.
• Nominations may only be submitted by postdoctoral scholars conducting research under the supervision of a 91ŃÇÉ« faculty member at the time of the call for nominations, and/or within the same academic year (July 1 — June 30). Should a supervisor receive more than one nomination letter, nominators will be contacted to inquire if they would like to submit a joint letter of nomination.
• The process of reviewing and selecting the nominations will be confidential and coordinated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Candidates must not see the letters of nomination from postdoctoral scholars.
• Candidates will be asked to provide an up-to-date curriculum vitae. All postdoctoral-related activities should be listed. Joint publication with postdoctoral scholars should be placed in the context of norms for the particular discipline. If the nominee has aided in the publication of work of their postdoctoral scholars, documentation may be provided.
• The successful candidate will be announced during the Postdoctoral Welcome Event each fall.

Please submit nomination letters (2 pages maximum, TNR 11pt font, margins at 0.75”) to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator by no later than June 1 each year.

Adjudication

At a minimum, nominations will be reviewed by the Associate Dean Academic at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (or delegate) and the Associate Vice-Presidents Research (or delegates). Nominations will be adjudicated according to the following criteria:

Evidence that the nominee:

• is a role model for intellectual leadership and professionalism in research;
• provides exemplary environment of support for professional skill development in research;
• promotes and models a climate of respect and collegiality;
• offers advocacy and guidance in long-term personal, professional and career development.

Letters of nomination should address specific examples of the nominee’s mentorship creativity, excellence, and dedication.

One nominee will be selected to receive the 91ŃÇÉ« Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award annually.

Deadline

Please submit nomination letters to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator by no later than June 1 each year.

Award Recipients will be celebrated in the fall of the following academic year. The other nominees will receive letters of recognition.

Previous Award Winners

The Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts an annual welcome and networking event for all postdoctoral researchers. This event celebrates the important contributions postdocs make to 91ŃÇÉ« and beyond, provides an opportunity for professional development specifically for postdocs, and allows invaluable opportunities for networking.

For questions about the event or general questions about postdoctoral affairs and resources on campus, please contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.

The office of  at 91ŃÇÉ« can assist with orientation to Toronto and to life on 91ŃÇɫ’s campus for those coming from abroad.

Download the Overview of Setting up a Postdoc at 91ŃÇÉ«

Overview - Setting up a Postdoc at 91ŃÇÉ« (.pdf)

Resources for Postdoctoral Visitor (PDV) Positions