The recipients of the 2014 Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision have been announced, with Dr. Nancy Hutchinson (Education) and Dr. Peter Hodson (Emeritus, Biology and Environmental Studies) named as winners. Individual or groups of students nominate their professors who have proven exceptional as research supervisors, and the application packages are reviewed by a selection committee.  

“During graduate research work, having a supportive supervisor is absolutely critical,” says Brenda Brouwer, Vice-Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “The relationship between student and supervisor is what sets research in motion and keeps it on the right track. We’re happy to give these supervisors the recognition they deserve.”

Joining this year’s winners is Dr. Jean Côté (School of Kinesiology and Health Studies), who won the award in 2013, but was on sabbatical during its presentation. The three professors will be presented with their awards during Fall Convocation.

Winners

Dr. Nancy Hutchinson (Education) – After 27 years at Queen’s, Dr. Hutchison considers mentoring her capable and committed graduate students as one of the most rewarding aspects of her academic career. As leader of an interdisciplinary research group, Dr. Hutchinson has challenged her students to ask difficult questions while always conducting their work in a timely fashion. Of the 65 master’s students and 7 PhD students she’s supervised over the years, many have produced significant findings in their fields or gone on to leadership positions in special education across North America. “I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of this award than Nancy,” says Kyle Robinson, a PhD student who nominated Dr. Hutchinson. “She’s an amazing supervisor who constantly strives to bring out the best in her students.”

Dr. Peter Hodson (Emeritus, Biology and Environmental Studies) – An enthusiastic mentor, advisor, coach and promoter, Dr. Hodson has supervised 37 master’s and doctoral students over his long career as a biologist. Prior to joining Queen’s in 1995 as the first Director of the School of Environmental Studies, Dr. Hodson worked for 21 years a scientist with the Government of Canada. Allowing students to be independent, make mistakes and learn through experience, he says that seeing his students develop their skills and abilities has been one of the biggest thrills of his career. “Peter has all the characteristics a graduate student could wish for in a supervisor: approachable, attentive, knowledgeable, funny and always positive,” says Roxanne Razavi, one of the students who nominated Dr. Hodson. “His enthusiasm for science is contagious and he will remain a role model and an inspiration as a scientist and teacher to me always.”

Dr. Jean Côté (School of Kinesiology and Health Studies) – Since joining Queen’s in 1999, Dr. Côté has supervised the work of 23 master’s students and 10 doctoral students. “I am highly honored to be receiving the award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision and I’m proud of every graduate student I’ve had the opportunity to supervise in the last 15 years,” he says. “I’m grateful for the research papers we’ve published, the grants we’ve received and the talks we’ve delivered at conferences. More importantly though, I’m grateful for the positive and long-lasting relationships we’ve established.”