Trent University is honouring the contributions of dedicated, engaging and creative educators from Psychology, Physics and Astronomy, Indigenous Studies, Social Work and Child &Youth Studies as the 2023/24 Research and Teaching Award recipients.  

“Trent University faculty and staff continue to embody the high ideals celebrated in each of the teaching and research awards. We take pride in recognizing the exceptional levels of achievement that characterize our award winners,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. “Their ongoing contributions to teaching and research excellence at Trent University inspires us all to emulate their success. Congratulations to all of this year's recipients.”  

Recipients of all awards, including the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, Early Career Researcher Awards, Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation, Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance, Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, and the CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching, will be celebrated at Trent University’s fourth annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching & Research on April 23, 2024.  

A full list of the awards and 2023/24 recipients follows:  

Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Laura Summerfeldt, Psychology  

The Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, named in honour of Trent’s founding president Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, recognizes faculty and staff members who encourage learning, offer unique experiences to their students, challenge them to do their best work, and inspire them to learn.   

Dr. Laura Summerfeldt is championed for her mentorship, passion and motivating support for her students throughout their academic careers. With skill and compassion, Prof. Summerfeldt seamlessly integrates student-led teaching strategies and structures her classes in a manner that supports discussion. As described by one nominator, “watching her in this context has been an incredible opportunity for me as she has a masterful ability to direct, consider, respond, challenge, and inspire learning – all fluidly and in real-time – despite often being in situations that lack the safety and predictability of highly structured lesson plans.”    

By fostering a growth mindset, Prof. Summerfeldt is able to encourage risk-taking in a safe and structured environment, offering students the opportunity to engage in critical moments of self-discovery.  As another nominator described, “Dr. Summerfeldt tactfully inspires students to venture beyond their comfort zones, encouraging the development of new skills and instilling greater confidence in their academic pursuits.” Deeply dedicated to student success, Prof. Summerfeldt is valued for her leadership, ability to inspire confidence, continuous support and genuine care.     

Early Career Researcher Awards   

Recognizes promising, early career Trent University researchers and is designed to help accelerate early-stage career faculty in building a sustainable research program.  

• Dr. Carlo Bradac, Physics & Astronomy: As an assistant professor in Physics & Astronomy, Dr. Carlo Bradac has made waves in quantum optical materials research through groundbreaking endeavors centered on leveraging diamond and other materials for quantum sensing and biotechnologies. Professor Bradac's efforts have transcended borders through collaborative international projects across the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. At Trent, Prof. Bradac has nurtured a thriving research ecosystem, mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. In his first year at Trent Prof. Bradac was awarded an NSERC Discovery Grant and secured essential CFI equipment funding, a testament to his research acumen. His scholarly contributions have garnered over 3,700 citations through publications in esteemed journals including Nature Communications and Nature Materials.  
• Dr. Jackson Pind, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies: Dr. Jackson Pind is an assistant professor in the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies. His work has been published in leading educational journals and books and he serves on the Canadian Journal of Indigenous Studies Editorial Board. Professor Pind's commitment to knowledge mobilization is evident through his notable and impactful contributions to public discourse through platforms such as The Conversation. Prof. Pind's website, indiandayschools.org, also serves as a central resource for research and education on the history of Indian Day Schools.  
• Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi, Psychology: Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi, assistant professor of Psychology at Trent's Durham GTA Campus, studies cognitive aging and dementia. Professor Saryazdi’s innovative and interdisciplinary research approach, integrating sensory, cognitive, and social factors, has led to virtual reality interventions for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Prof. Saryazdi's success is underscored by a prolific publication record, securing prestigious grants, and receiving numerous accolades throughout her academic journey. Notably, Dr. Saryazdi was recently awarded Trent University Internal Grant.  

Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation  

Recognizes faculty and staff who make a distinctive impact through their educational leadership and innovation in teaching and learning.   

• Dr. Dan Roronhiakewen Longboat, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies: An associate professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and director of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences program, Professor Longboat is recognized for leadership and innovation across course, departmental and institutional levels, including the creation of the first Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences undergraduate degree and new undergraduate IESS courses. He is also the co-founder of the Trent Indigenous Environmental Institute and the TRACKS (Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science) program.  

Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance  

Recognizes teaching assistants who excel at encouraging learning in workshop, tutorial, seminar, laboratory, or field settings.  

• Connor Leshner, Psychology: Connor Leshner, a Ph.D. student and teaching assistant in Psychology, is recognized for his ability to connect with students, understand their learning styles, and provide them with the ongoing support and tools for success. Known for his dedication, Leshner is also recognized by his students for his ability to provide thorough, constructive and detailed feedback that aids their learning.  

Award for Excellence in Online Teaching  

Recognizes instructors who have demonstrated a passion for, and commitment to, online teaching and who have implemented effective approaches to fostering active learning and student involvement.  

• Dr. Else Marie Knudsen, Social Work: An assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, Professor Knudsen approaches online education through a holistic lens, supporting student well-being and academic performance in her work. She is recognized for her creative and engaging online courses that support engagement and spark inspiration in students and instructors.    

CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching   

Recognizes contract faculty who have a strong, positive impact on students’ learning.  

• Sarah Ibaid, Child & Youth Studies: As a course instructor in Child & Youth Studies, Sarah Ibaid is recognized for her student-centered approach to creating thoughtful and engaging lessons and assignments and a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment. Students recognize the ways in which she goes above and beyond to support their learning and professional growth.    

“Trent researchers are helping to shape Trent University's focus on academic excellence and innovation. Our award recipients are wonderful examples of this commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice president of Research and Innovation. “Their unwavering dedication to leading-edge research, their mentorship of students, and their efforts to share research findings broadly, have cemented them as trailblazers. We can already see how these researchers are having a significant impact in their respective fields, and well beyond.”  

“This year's award recipients personify qualities essential to teaching excellence and innovation and continuously strive to offer support and guidance within both educational and professional pathways,” added Dr. Fergal O’Hagan, associate dean of Teaching and Learning. “As a learning community, it is important to celebrate these remarkable contributions and continue to foster a culture of collaboration by learning from one another.  

Learn more about the Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, including more details about the awards and current teaching and research award recipients. Now in its fourth year, the event is a collaboration between the Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Office of Research and Innovation. The April 23 celebration will be held in the Student Centre at Trent University and will also be live-streamed.