Each year, the University of Guelph honours recently tenured faculty members with the U of G Research Excellence Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to research, training, and knowledge mobilization.
This year, the seven recipients of the awards are conducting groundbreaking research across diverse fields, ranging from stage design to nanotechnology for disease detection to forest health monitoring.
These awards not only highlight the remarkable work happening across the University but also elevate the profiles of the recipients among external funding agencies. Sponsored by the Office of Research and the Office of the Provost, each award includes a $5,000 grant.
The recipients are:
Dr. Ben DeVries, Department of Geography
DeVries is a remote-sensing expert whose impactful research in Earth observation and environmental monitoring includes collaborations with teams nationally and internationally on forest health, lakes, wetlands, and flood mapping.
Dr. Jennifer Ellis, Department of Animal Biosciences
Ellis, a cross-species mathematical modeling expert, uses mechanistic, statistical, and machine learning methods to optimize animal production systems and collaborates globally with the animal nutrition and feed-milling industries to improve feed quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
Dr. Rogier Holtermans, Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies
Holtermans is a real estate finance scholar who combines urban and financial economics with sustainability, focusing on climate change risk, energy efficiency, and return drivers in commercial real estate.
Troy Hourie, School of English & Theatre Studies
Hourie is an acclaimed scenographer and installation artist known for pushing the boundaries of spectator engagement and intermediality. He is also committed to fostering inclusive arts communities and is currently working on two new Indigenous projects.
Dr. Huiyan Li, School of Engineering
Li develops innovative micro- and nanoscale biosensors and lab-on-a-chip technologies to advance disease study, including cancer, integrating biosensing, micro/nanofabrication, bio-optics/electronics, and computational tools with biomedicine to enhance diagnostics and treatment.
Dr. Rebecca Shapiro, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Shapiro is advancing human health by exploring genetics and fungal pathogens, including antifungal drug resistance, and is innovating with next-generation CRISPR tools for fungal pathogens.
Dr. Charlotte Winder, Department of Population Medicine
Winder improves cattle and small ruminant health through applied research and has developed a website on best practices for pain control in disbudding calves.
Read the full news release on the U of G News site: 2024 Research Excellence Awards Recognize Significant Research Achievements.