Dean Pascale Sicotte: “In recognizing these outstanding members of our community, we celebrate their accomplishments, but we also honour the values that unite us.”
Concordia’s Faculty of Arts and Science proudly announces the recipients of the 2024–2025 Dean’s Awards for Excellence — 17 faculty and staff members whose work reflects the spirit and aspirations of the Faculty. These awards celebrate individuals who, through research, teaching, mentorship, service, and outreach, embody the core values of our community.
In highlighting this year’s winners, the Faculty reaffirms its commitment to the Five Commitments, the guiding principles that shape their shared mission. Whether by nurturing talent, addressing urgent societal challenges, fostering inclusive learning, or strengthening community connections, each awardee contributes to making the Faculty a place where diversity, purpose, passion, and connection matter.
“In recognizing these outstanding members of our community,” said Dean Pascale Sicotte, “we celebrate their accomplishments, but we also honour the values that unite us. Their commitment to empathy and belonging, their drive to tackle today’s complex challenges, their creativity and courage to push boundaries, and their readiness to build bridges between communities — all reflect the deepest aspirations of FAS. Each awardee reminds us that our strength lies in diversity, collaboration, and the shared purpose of making a positive impact in the world.”
2024–2025 Dean’s Awards for Excellence: Recipients by category
Excellence in Scholarship
Established Researcher:
- Claudine Gauthier, PhD (Physics) — honoured for her research on sex differences in vascular health, development of quantitative imaging biomarkers, brain imaging methodological advancements, and leadership in national and international scientific communities.
- Stephanie Paterson, PhD (Political Science) — lauded for her interdisciplinary research spanning public administration, political science, recreation and leisure, and gender studies, and her collaborations with national/international institutions such as Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and federal departments.
Emerging Researcher:
- Nicole Alberts, PhD (Psychology) — recognized for her impactful work in psycho-social oncology and behavioural medicine, especially research on chronic pain in childhood cancer survivors, and collaborations leading to international recognition.
- Gillian Sze, PhD (English) — celebrated for her strong publication record in creative writing (poetry, children’s literature, essays), and notable achievements including translation of her work into six languages and awards such as the FRQSC Research-Creation award and the Pat Lowther Memorial Award.
Excellence in Teaching
Junior Professor:
- Matthew Pierce Gardner, PhD (Psychology) — honoured for pedagogical methods that enhance students’ learning experiences and create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.
Limited-Term Appointment (LTA):
- Alba Fano-Trabanco, PhD (Classics, Modern Languages & Linguistics) — recognized for student-centred and instruction methods focused on learning through interaction, self-reflection, and mindfulness.
- Mel Lefebvre, PhD (School of Community & Public Affairs) — celebrated for a transformative pedagogical approach emphasizing safety, care, intersectionality, and contributions to the First Peoples Studies program.
Part-time Professor:
- Dean Graham, PhD (Psychology) — acknowledged for teaching methods that challenge and engage students, motivating them to strive for academic excellence.
Excellence in Graduate Supervision
- Maryse Fortin, PhD (Health, Kinesiology & Applied Physiology) — honoured for providing personalized mentorship, fostering a vibrant research environment, and leading her students toward conference presentations, high-impact publications, and engagement in community-based initiatives.
- Warren Linds, PhD (Applied Human Sciences) — recognized for dedicated, compassionate mentorship and for building a learning-community model encouraging innovative problem-solving and professional growth.
Excellence in Academic Service
- Danièle Marcoux, PhD (Études françaises) — awarded for outstanding academic service including work with the translation co-op program, collaborations with professional translation bodies, and nurturing student development and careers.
- Shawn Wilkinson, PhD (Applied Human Sciences) — honoured for contributions to the development of the Graduate program in Human Systems Intervention, leadership in prior learning recognition, and involvement in equity-oriented initiatives across institutions.
Excellence in Service to the Faculty by Staff Members
- Marlihan Lopez (Simone de Beauvoir Institute) — lauded for leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and for building meaningful practicum opportunities for students in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality.
- Sandra Romanini (Mathematics & Statistics) — recognized for departmental leadership, improved planning and procedures, and fostering an inclusive, respectful culture.
- Joanne Svendsen (Psychology) — honoured for exceptional skills and dedication to the clinic and student trainees at the Applied Psychology Centre.
Excellence in Community Outreach & Public Engagement
- André Gagné, PhD (Theological Studies) — acknowledged for over 350 national and international media appearances, transformative mentorship, and impactful partnerships that enhance the well-being and resilience of both university and external communities.
- Felice Yuen, PhD (Applied Human Sciences) — recognized for meaningful engagement with community partners, especially focusing on marginalized youth and Indigenous women impacted by the correctional and justice systems.