Early Career Researcher Award (established 2021)
Awarded annually, the Early Career Researcher Award recognizes up to two promising early career researchers at Trent University to help accelerate early-stage career faculty in building a sustainable research program. The value of the award is $ 5,000 and will be awarded annually for up to two early career researchers in the form of a research grant.
Nominations are due by January 20, 2026 at 4.30 pm EST. for the 2026 Early Career Researcher Award.
Eligibility:
- Candidates must be within their first five years of a TUFA permanent appointment at Trent University (note: the Selection Committee will consider personal leave circumstances)
- Self‐nomination is acceptable
- Canada Research Chairs are not included in the pool of eligible applicants
- Recipients of the award will not be eligible for future nomination for this award
For full details please see the Early Career Researcher Award Terms of Reference.
To complete a nomination, please access the Nomination Form.
2025 Early Career Researcher Award Recipients
Dr. Mary-Claire Buell, School of the Environment/Forensic Science
Dr. Mary-Claire Buell is an assistant professor cross-appointed to the School of the Environment and Department of Forensic Science. Professor Buell’s community-engaged research program demonstrates a dedication to inclusion and justice in research. Her work emphasizes scientific innovation and engagement with Indigenous Knowledge, as evidenced by an outstanding record of research funding and publications. As director of the TRACE Lab (Transdisciplinary Action confronting Contaminants in the Environment), Prof. Buell has developed a pioneering framework for ecotoxicological risk assessment that bridges Indigenous Knowledge and western science, receiving global recognition for articulating the limitations of standard risk assessment methodologies.
Dr. Melanie Rosen, Philosophy
Dr. Melanie Rosen is an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy, specializing in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science, particularly dreaming. Professor Rosen has an extensive publication record, including articles in top peer-reviewed journals, such as Synthase, and books. Prof. Rosen has received multiple grants, including an SSHRC Insight Grant, and is a member of an international research project on the role of dreams in treating depression. Prof. Rosen’s teaching reflects Trent’s strength in interdisciplinary study, with courses blending the humanities and empirical sciences to engage students in topics like the philosophy of science, AI, and dreaming.
Dr. Stephanie Tobin, Biology
Dr. Stephanie Tobin is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Trent University, specializing in cellular aging and repair mechanisms. Professor Tobin has an extensive publication record and has been awarded several national grants, including the NSERC Discovery Grant and NSERC Alliance Catalysts Grant. In addition, Prof. Tobin has been recognized with multiple awards for contributions to both research and teaching, including the Stem Cell Network Early Career Researcher Symposium and Conference Prize in 2023. Prof. Tobin is a collaborative researcher, working with several Trent faculty members on aging and cell research projects. She plays a crucial role in shaping the future of research by creating opportunities for students to engage in research, offering mentorship and training for the next generation of scientists.
Early Career Researcher Award Past Recipients
- 2024 - Dr. Dr. Carlo Bradac (Physics & Astronomy), Dr. Jackson Pind (Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies), and Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi (Psychology at Trent's Durham GTA Campus)
- 2023 - Dr. Jenn Cole (Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, and Gender & Social Justice) and Dr. Kim Ritchie (Trent/Fleming School of Nursing)
- 2022 - Dr. Karen Blair (Psychology), Dr. Graham Raby (Biology), and Dr. Elizabeth Russell (Psychology)
