Early Career Researcher Award

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. 

Dr. Joshua Synenko, an associate 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, drawing from media and geography to examine how experimental and socially engaged art reveals critical issues for cities, technology, politics, and visual culture. His growing scholarly profile includes a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, editorial leadership, and major grant activity. Professor Synenko’s forthcoming monograph, Situated Networks: Media Practice After Research-Creation, along with his role in founding the Media Theory Association and organizing conferences in Canada and internationally, highlight his expanding global impact.