Two Queen’s University researchers are among the members of the Queen’s community appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, announced by the Governor General on December 31.

The Queen’s faculty, alumni, and honorary degree recipient were among the 80 new appointments to, and promotions within, the Order of Canada this year. Established in 1967, the Order recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.

This year’s honourees connected to Queen’s reflect excellence in research, health care, law, the arts, and philanthropy.

Queen’s researchers

Dr. Praveen Jain, Officer of the Order of Canada

Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University

Praveen Jain has been appointed to the Order of Canada for his transformative contributions to power electronics, particularly advancing energy conversion technologies central to modern electrical systems. A world authority in power electronics, his research has improved the efficiency, reliability, and cost effectiveness of power systems used in computing, telecommunications, space systems, and renewable energy.

Dr. Jain joined Queen’s in 2001 to establish the Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research. He held a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Power Electronics for three consecutive terms and led research that produced digital power control technologies that transformed how computers are powered. This work led to the founding of CHiL Semiconductor, whose power control chips were adopted in computers worldwide. Under his leadership, the centre became one of the world’s leading power electronics research hubs and the only one of its kind in Canada.

Over a four-decade career, Dr. Jain has been granted more than 110 patents, published extensively, and supervised more than 100 graduate students and engineers. His innovations continue to support energy efficient technologies used in critical systems worldwide.
 

Dr. Curtis Nickel (Meds’78), Officer of the Order of Canada

Professor Emeritus, Queen’s University

Curtis Nickel is one of the world’s foremost urologists and a leading authority on infectious, inflammatory, and pain related diseases of the bladder and prostate. His landmark clinical research transformed understanding and treatment of chronic urological conditions, producing significant improvement in quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.  

A professor emeritus at Queen’s, he was appointed to the faculty in 1984 following urological training at Queen’s. He has authored more than 600 peer reviewed publications, led or participated in multiple clinical trials, and appeared as a visiting professor or invited lecturer in more than 55 countries.  

Dr. Nickel held a CIHR Tier I Canada Research Chair in Urological Pain and Inflammation and served as president of the Canadian Urological Association. His research and clinical leadership have been recognized with multiple international honours from leading urological organizations, and his work was supported by major Canadian and U.S. health research agencies throughout most of his career.

Companions of the Order of Canada

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella (LLD’85 (Hon))

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004, becoming the first Jewish woman and first refugee to serve on the Court. A global leader in equality and human rights law, she introduced the concept of employment equity and now serves as the Samuel and Judith Pisar Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School.

Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, (DSc’14 (Hon))

Shaf Keshavjee is a world leading thoracic surgeon scientist whose innovations have transformed lung transplantation worldwide. As Chief of Innovation at University Health Network and director of the Latner Thoracic Laboratories, he has advanced breakthroughs in lung preservation and regenerative medicine while shaping the future of health care.

Members of the Order of Canada

Jane Darville (MPA’93)

Jane Darville is a health care leader known for her compassionate approach and dedication to patients. She helped establish Toronto’s HIV AIDS hospital Casey House and led Vancouver’s Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, shaping two organizations recognized around the world for their care.

Barry Truax (Artsci’69)

Barry Truax is a leading authority in acoustic communication and electroacoustic music. A professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University and founding member of the World Soundscape Project, he has created innovative tools and compositions that have shaped the field of acoustic ecology and influenced generations of composers, researchers, and sound artists.

Read the full list of new Order of Canada appointees and descriptions of their contributions.