2020 Researchers of the Year

Awards for Excellence in Research and/or Creative Scholarly Activity

 


Dear colleagues,

Each year, we recognize the achievements of faculty and student researchers who have made significant contributions to research and creative scholarly activity at UBC Okanagan. Please join me in congratulating this year’s outstanding awardees, who will be honoured at a special online awards celebration on May 20, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

 

2020 Faculty Researchers of the Year

SABRE CHERKOWSKI | Social Sciences and Humanities

Associate Professor Sabre Cherkowski is a catalyst for sustainable improvement in schools and leadership transformation within educational systems. She is recognized internationally for her innovative research examining the impact of positive learning environments on creating a flourishing effect in schools. Her work is aimed at nurturing the next generation to have a transformative impact on society.

CIGDEM ESKICIOGLU | Natural Sciences and Engineering

Professor Cigdem Eskicioglu is a globally recognized researcher in civil and environmental engineering. Her research focuses on biological processes that produce cleaner wastewater by-products for pollution prevention, bioenergy maximization, and resource recovery from organic waste. Earlier this year Cigdem was named the Senior Industrial Research Chair (IRC) in Advanced Resource Recovery from Wastewater.

ZACH WALSH | Health

Associate Professor Zach Walsh is a leading expert in substance use and the safety and efficacy of herbal cannabis for treating mental health conditions. He established one of the first cannabis administration labs for behavourial science in Canada, and his research findings have influenced Canada’s medical cannabis legislation. He is leading Canada’s first randomized controlled clinical trial to examine the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

2020 Student Researchers of the Year

CANDICE QUIN | PhD level

Candice Quin has established a new facet of international collaboration by implementing a ‘Research Abroad’ program at UBCO, piloting a neuroscience and cell biology research program at two leading Australian organizations. Her cross-disciplinary research has resulted in meaningful outcomes, including solutions for statistical errors in many studies of fish oil supplementation on infant health.

Connor Howe | Master’s level

Connor Howe has participated in four international high-altitude research expeditions, including to La Rinconada, Peru, the highest city in the world. His research focus is studying the effects of human adaptation in high-altitude and how physiological responses are altered by reduced oxygen.

 


EVENT DETAILS:

Date:    Wednesday, May 20th
Time:    4:00 p.m.
RSVP:   Register below to join our online celebration. All are welcome.

RSVP to join

*Once registered, you will receive a confirmation with a personalized link to join the Zoom webinar.


 

Sincerely,

Phil Barker
Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation
University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus