Teaching and Learning Awards
Teaching excellence takes centre stage
October 14, 2026
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The university-wide teaching awards reception honoured more than 30 recipients.
More than 30 educators and staff from across Queen’s were honoured for their dedication to student learning and empowerment at the 2026 university-wide teaching awards reception. Hosted by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane and Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) Gavan Watson, the annual event celebrates teaching award recipients who bring expertise, care, and curiosity to their work and help students develop the skills to think critically and shape their futures with confidence.
“Teaching and learning are at the heart of everything we do at Queen’s,” says Principal Deane. “This event gives us an opportunity to recognize the people who make the classroom experience so meaningful for students. Their work also helps realize the Bicentennial Vision, which calls us to strengthen the connections between research, teaching, and student experience.”
Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane and Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) Gavan Watson hosted the awards reception in Grant Hall.
The reception celebrated awards presented by the university, its faculties and schools, and student governments. Recipients were honoured for helping students make the most of their learning experiences and preparing them for the future, innovating the way courses are taught, and making the university environment more accessible and inclusive.
“These awards recognize the care and commitment that teaching requires,” says Vice-Provost Watson. “Teaching excellence also depends on our willingness to keep learning, to draw on research about how students learn, and to refine our practice. Celebrating our colleagues’ contributions helps us share that knowledge and strengthen teaching and learning across Queen’s.”
Vice-Provost Watson speaking at the reception.
The full list of 2025-26 recipients is available in the event’s digital program on the Office of the Principal’s website.
Applications are now open for the upcoming cycle of the Principal’s Teaching and Learning Grants. Nominations for the next round of Principal’s Teaching and Learning Awards will open later this fall. Learn more about both programs.
2025-26 University-Wide Teaching Awards:
Principal’s Indigenous Education Award:
in partnership with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Danielle Lussier, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Lindsay Brant, Indigenous Initiatives, St Lawrence College
Jamaica Cass, Family Medicine
Peggy Dejong, Department of Medicine
Amber Hastings Truelove, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Jenny Stodola, Office of Professional Development and Educational Scholarship
Brittany Pratt, Good Medicine Wellness, Wholistic Healing Centre
Principal’s Educational Technology Award:
in partnership with Information Technology Services
Charlotte Gibson, Mining Engineering
Michael Chabot, Engineering Teaching and Learning Team
Principal’s Educational Leadership Award:
in partnership with the Centre for Teaching and Learning
Paula James, Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Principal's Globally Engaged Education Innovation Award:
in partnership with the Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Lisa Butler, Public Health Sciences
Principal’s Promoting Student Inquiry Teaching Award:
in partnership with Queen's Library
Joyce Hostyn, Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering
Chancellor A. Charles Baillie Teaching Award:
Kate Rowbotham, Smith School of Business
Danielle Lussier, recipient of the Principal’s Indigenous Education Award.
AMS Frank Knox Award for Excellence in Teaching:
Fall: Sarah Tsiang, Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)
Winter: Gabrielle McIntire, Department of English
AMS Christopher Knapper Award:
Fall: Calvin Fletcher, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Winter: Bahvya Bogra, Department of Geography and Planning
AMS Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award:
Fall: Gerome Manson, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies
Winter: Maha Othman, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences
SGPS John G. Freeman Faculty Excellence Award:
Benjamin Kutsyuruba, Faculty of Education
SGPS Staff Excellence Award:
Arash Nikniazi, Mechanical and Materials Engineering
SGPS Teaching Assistant/Teaching Fellow Excellence Award:
Rita Nakhl, School of Rehabilitation Therapy
SGPS International Student Scholarship Award:
Masoud Babadi Ataabadi, Department of Geography and Planning
SGSPA Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision:
Christopher Deluca, Faculty of Education
Bruce Tufts, Department of Biology
Christopher Deluca (second from right), recipient of the SGSPA Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision, celebrating at the reception with family and colleagues.
