Graduate students recognized for community impact, academic excellence

Four current PhD students at Queen’s have been named winners of the School of Graduate Studies’ Award in Leadership, Innovation, and Community Engagement.

Maram Assi (Computing), Martina Jakubchik-Paloheimo (Geography and Planning), Morgan Lehtinen (Chemistry), and Rohit Shukla (Civil Engineering), were selected for the award, which recognizes graduate students who are “making a meaningful difference in the world while also demonstrating the highest standards of academic excellence.” The award is valued at $5,000.

Applications were reviewed by the Dean and Associate Deans of the School of Graduate Studies. Winners were selected for taking a significant leadership role with demonstrable impact, including: creating and sharing knowledge that supports societal improvements; promoting public interests as a social impact leader, with an emphasis on equity, diversity, inclusion, and indigeneity; entrepreneurial achievements and innovation in areas such as health, socio-economic development or the environment that address key social issues; and civic engagement such as involvement in volunteer organizations at Queen’s or in the broader community.

“The achievements of each of these winners serve as a testament to the impact that graduate students can have during and beyond their time at Queen’s,” says Fahim Quadir, Vice-Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “The selection committee was thoroughly impressed by the caliber of applicants whose passion, determination, and humanity shone through in their applications. We look forward to continuing to celebrate these students as they forge new ways to leave their mark on the world.”

To learn more about the Award in Leadership, Innovation, and Community Engagement, email sgscomms@queensu.ca.