Trent University is celebrating teaching and research excellence, recognizing eight individuals for innovation in Canadian Studies, Child & Youth Studies, Environmental Science, English, Cultural Studies, and Biology, as well as dedication to inspiring and supporting students, colleagues and the broader Trent community. 

“At Trent, dynamic teaching and critical research go hand in hand. Our Teaching and Research Excellence Awards recognize the people who propel Trent’s strengths in both areas. This year's recipients have demonstrated excellence in how they engage students and advance knowledge in their fields,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Their work is thoughtful, rigorous, and grounded in care for student learning. It is wonderful to be able to recognize their contributions to our academic community.” 

The 2025-26 award recipients will be recognized at Trent’s Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research on April 29. 

Award Recipients: 

Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Nour Hammami, Child &Youth Studies
Dr. Nour Hammami is an assistant professor in Child & Youth Studies at Trent Durham Greater Toronto Area. Dr. Hammami is recognized as a creative, inspiring, and generous educator whose interactive teaching, supportive mentorship, and ability to simplify complex material through real‑life examples have left a meaningful impact on her students. Dr. Hammami builds students’ confidence through ongoing encouragement and creates safer learning environments where students can thrive both academically and personally. Dr. Hammami inspires and challenges students, facilitating difficult discussion topics with sensitivity and care. Her passion for teaching is evident in all aspects of her work, as is her steadfast commitment to students’ success. 

From a nominator: “Nour genuinely cares about her students and always takes the time to make sure no one is left behind. Her support motivated me to participate more and believe in my ability to succeed academically.” 

Distinguished Research Award: Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer
The 2026 Distinguished Research Award honours Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and a professor in the School for the Study of Canada. He is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts on Arctic and Northern security, governance, and policy. His research has shaped national and global conversations on climate change, emerging security challenges, and northern sovereignty, while advancing Indigenous‑centered, community‑engaged approaches.  

Since joining Trent University in 2018, he has produced an exceptional body of scholarship that continues to inform government decision‑making. Dr. Lackenbauer founded the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN) in 2019, now a major policy research hub with significant external funding. A prolific and award‑winning author, he is also a former Killam Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Canadian Forces College, which underscore his outstanding impact and influence. 

From a nominator: "His long-standing relationships with Northern Indigenous partners ensure that his research is conducted in the North, with the North, and for the North. This approach strengthens both the scholarly integrity and the real-world impact of his work." 

Award for Excellence in Online Teaching: Dr. Andrew Loeb, English  
Dr. Andrew Loeb, an assistant professor in English, is recognized for his innovative teaching methods and course design that foster student engagement and success. Nominators noted the ways in which Dr. Loeb seamlessly incorporates online learning tools, such as Hypothesis and voice recordings, into his courses to support students’ learning. Dr. Loeb creates dynamic online learning environments that build a sense of connection and deeply enhance student learning at Trent.   

Early Career Researcher Award: Dr. Kira Borden, Trent School of the Environment
Dr. Kira Borden, an assistant professor at Trent University’s School of the Environment since 2022, has rapidly built an outstanding research program focused on plant-soil interactions and climate‑resilient agroecosystems. In just over two years she has secured significant competitive research funding as principal investigator, earned Trent’s 2025 Merit Award in Research, and produced an impressive record of published scientific articles in high‑impact journals. Her research integrates mechanistic plant-soil interaction research with applied studies of soil carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in agroecosystems. Professor Borden’s work is already influencing sustainable agriculture and food‑security strategies across diverse farming contexts as she collaborates with farmers, government scientists, and industry partners to apply nature‑based climate solutions. 

Early Career Researcher Awards: Dr. Joshua Synenko, Cultural Studies
Dr. Joshua Synenko, an assistant professor in Cultural Studies, is emerging as a leading voice in media studies through his research on technological, cultural, and political transformations in artistic practice. His growing scholarly profile includes a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, editorial leadership, and major grant activity. Professor Synenko’s monograph, Reconfiguring Locative Art, along with his role in founding the international Media Theory Association and organizing conferences in Toronto and Naples, highlight his expanding global impact.  

Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research: Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, Trent School of the Environment
Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, an associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment, is recognized for her strong commitment to community‑based research and the support of student achievement. Through her longstanding collaboration with the Trent Community Research Centre, she has mentored students on applied research projects exploring connections between nature, mental health, and pro‑environmental behaviour, work that directly informs community sustainability initiatives. Professor Rutherford’s supervision consistently enables students to translate academic learning into meaningful community impact, exemplifying faculty leadership that advances both research engagement and student success. 

CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, Biology
Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, a sessional faculty member in Biology, is praised for her ability to creatively adapt labs and assignments based on student feedback to create immersive learning experiences. Professor Jian-Javdan inspires students with her passion for mammals and conservation and empowers them by creating a respectful and supportive learning environment where they can learn from mistakes and thrive.  

Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance: Jonathon Smith, Child & Youth Studies
Jonathon Smith, a teaching assistant in Child & Youth Studies, is recognized for his outstanding support in academic writing and APA formatting, and his ability to give constructive and supportive feedback in ways that build students’ confidence. His approachable teaching style fosters an inclusive, impactful learning environment that prioritizes student success, supported by his willingness to meet with students outside of class and share helpful academic resources.  

“Trent researchers continue to drive the University’s reputation for scholarly excellence, and this year’s award recipients exemplify the creativity and dedication behind that success,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president of Research and Innovation at Trent University. “Transformative research is a long-term commitment. These awards celebrate both those with established records of sustained achievement and those whose promising early work is opening new pathways of discovery. Together, they demonstrate the strength and momentum of Trent’s research community and its ongoing contributions to knowledge creation.” 

“The teaching awards celebrate educators and teaching assistants who foster the kind of dynamic learning environments that students can expect from Trent University,” noted Dr. Kristy Buccieri, acting associate dean of Teaching and Learning. “The individuals recognized this year have demonstrated exemplary pedagogical practices, ensuring that students remain at the heart of the learning process.” 

Learn more about this year’s teaching and research award recipients, and the sixth annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, an event hosted by Trent Teaching Commons and the Office of Research and Innovation in partnership with the Trent Community Research Centre.