Concordia's Faculty of Arts and Science reveals the winners of its third Graduate Research Photo Contest

Graduate research takes many forms—lab experiments, fieldwork, archival deep dives—but it also has a visual story to tell. Concordia’s Faculty of Arts and Science invited its graduate students to participate in the third annual Graduate Research Photo Contest, "Capture your research in a snap!" This year, the results are as captivating as the research behind them. 

The competition, which encourages students to encapsulate their research through compelling photography, once again drew an impressive range of submissions. Each entry offers a unique lens into the discoveries and narratives shaping today’s scholarship, from the microscopic to the monumental. 

“This contest is about more than photography,” explains Francesca Scala, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies. “It’s about showcasing the dedication, creativity, and intellectual curiosity that drives our students’ research.” 

“Visual storytelling allows us to connect with research in a deeply human way,” adds Dean Pascale Sicotte. “By representing their work through photography, our graduate students make their research accessible, relatable, and inspiring—not just to academics but to anyone curious about the world around us.” 

Choosing winners was no easy task for the panel of judges, who evaluated submissions on both artistic and academic merit. In the end, five entries were recognized for awards and honorable mentions, each telling a distinct story of discovery. 

The winners were announced at the Faculty of Arts and Science Dean’s Awards, on December 5.  
 

2024 Photo Contest Winners

First Place

Navigating the Urban Margins, by Gideon Azunre

Department of Geography, Planning and Environment

Gideon's image, set in Accra, Ghana, documents the resilience of informal settlements and highlights the daily struggles faced by marginalized communities. His research amplifies the voices of vulnerable residents, including women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, advocating for their inclusion in urban planning. (picture above)

Second Place

Curiosity Meets Comfort, by Ryan Ura

Department of Geography, Planning and Environment

A tender moment between a Himalayan langur and its infant is captured in Ryan’s photo, illustrating the importance of mother-infant bonds. His research explores how primates in rehabilitation centers acquire survival skills, with implications for wildlife conservation.

Third Place

The Gentleman Boxer, by Cameron Ambroise-Sanscartier

Department of History

Inspired by a portrait of legendary heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson, Cameron’s photo examines how Johnson’s achievements and personal style challenged racial and masculine norms in the early Jim Crow era, redefining the cultural narratives of his time.

Honorable Mentions

How to Mend a Broken Teddy, by Seleste Beaulieu

Department of Psychology

Trapping Light in a Micro-Resonator, by Emily Eadie

Department of Physics

See complete list of photo submissions and descriptions in the Fall 2024 Grad Photo Competition Flickr album.

Learn more about graduate research at Concordia's Faculty of Arts and Science.