Each year, Trent University honours graduate students achieving high academic standing with the Governor General’s Academic Medal and President’s Medal awards at convocation. This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership and community engagement through biomedical discovery, mental health system research, creative practice, and intergenerational learning. Meet the 2026 recipients of Trent University’s highest graduate student honours: 

Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal

William Kim | Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental & Life Sciences  

A dedicated biomedical researcher and mentor, Dr. William Kim ‘15 combined scientific discovery with a strong commitment to teaching throughout his doctoral studies at Trent University.  

Working alongside biology professor Dr. Robert Huber, William’s research focused on Batten disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. While Batten disease is presently incurable, William’s work has helped identify common biological changes associated with disease-causing genetic mutations, advancing our understanding of how the disorder develops and creating a foundation for future therapeutic research. 

William distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement and research excellence, supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program. He completed an international internship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, co-authored 16 research publications, contributed to more than 20 conference abstracts, and presented his work nationally and internationally. He also made invaluable contributions to the Trent community, mentoring students and earning Trent’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance. 

Now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, William is investigating the biology of rhabdomyosarcoma, a pediatric soft tissue cancer. He hopes to pursue a career as a university professor, advancing biomedical research while mentoring the next generation of scientists. 

“Receiving this award is special because it signifies the hard work and dedication I have invested to both research and teaching at Trent,” said William. “Research requires dedication and thinking critically, and I am grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and students who challenged me along the way.” 

President’s Medal for Doctor of Philosophy (Social Sciences and Humanities) 

Lisa Trefzger Clarke | Doctor of Philosophy in Canadian Studies  

A scholar, educator and community advocate, Dr. Lisa Trefzger Clarke ‘21 has dedicated her work to strengthening learning, practice, and leadership across the mental health sector. 

Her doctoral research examined the intersection of Ontario's legislation and regulation of psychotherapy and social work, and how they impact and influence professional learning. Lisa’s findings led to recommendations for strengthening the mental health sector through post-secondary education, clinical supervision techniques, and the development of communities of practice across the province. 

Lisa received an Ontario Graduate Scholarship and several additional awards recognizing academic excellence during her time at Trent. She also contributed beyond academia, as a volunteer with Camp fYrefly Ontario, Canada's national leadership retreat for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies. Lisa now serves as a post-doctoral research associate in the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University, where she is helping establish a national research foundation for Women in Philanthropy, the first of its kind in Canada. 

“I am a different person today because of this degree,” said Lisa. “This award reflects how much I loved my Ph.D. journey and embraced this learning opportunity for every gift it gave me. Near the end of my doctoral studies, I experienced serious illness. I am so grateful to the Frost Centre and deeply humbled by the support of my advisor, my colleagues, my family, and the Trent community who helped me reach this point.” 

President’s Medal for Master of Arts (Social Sciences and Humanities) 

Sarah McNeilly | Master Of Arts in Theory, Culture and Politics

An artistic scholar committed to exploring resilience, care, and human experience, Sarah McNeilly ‘05 integrated creative practice with academic research.  

She developed an autobiographical solo performance work, Titty Cakes: A Recipe for Radical Acceptance, that used baking, storytelling, and ritual to explore trauma, illness, and survival. Her work advanced explorations of how trauma might be represented ethically without reducing suffering to spectacle or consumption. 

Sarah received the prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance at Trent, recognized for fostering supportive learning environments where students confidently explored complex theories and challenging conversations. She has begun a role as a Strategist at KCI Philanthropy, where she supports nonprofit and charitable organizations in achieving their fundraising goals.  

“Completing this degree was not a linear journey,” said Sarah. “There were moments when finishing felt out of reach, but this medal affirms that endurance, care, and returning to the work – even after interruption – matter deeply.” 

President’s Medal for Master of Science (Sciences) 

Tabytha Wells | Master of Science in Psychology, specialization in Aging Studies

A passionate advocate for social connection and community, Tabytha Wells ‘16 has focused her work on building connections between generations.  

Her master’s research examined how intergenerational learning can challenge ageism and strengthen connections between younger and older adults. Working at the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) alongside Dr. Elizabeth Russell, Tabytha co-led an innovative intergenerational university classroom project that fostered meaningful conversations across generations and has since become embedded in Trent University’s third-year Psychology of Aging course. The work demonstrated that shared learning can reduce ageism, break down perceived generational divides, and humanize people of all ages. Tabytha currently serves as research coordinator for the Rural Aging Research Program at Trent University and she will continue her academic journey in Trent’s Psychology Ph.D. program. 

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said Tabytha. “For me, this medal represents curiosity, commitment, and community. It is a meaningful recognition of not only the care and enthusiasm I put into my work, but also the patience and generosity of those who have supported me along my journey.”  

Learn more about the School of Graduate Studies at Trent University