Awards recognize dedicated, engaging, and creative educators advancing knowledge and learning in topics such as freshwater composition, Indigenous Knowledge in western science, and the role of dreams in treating depression
Trent University is celebrating teaching and research excellence recognizing nine individuals for innovation in Mathematics & Statistics, Biology, Philosophy, Forensic Science, Environmental Science/Studies, Political Studies, and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, as well as dedication to inspiring and supporting students, colleagues and the broader Trent Community in learning.
"Trent University's teaching and research awards highlight the exceptional dedication of our faculty and instructors. We take pride in recognizing the formidable contributions these researchers and educators have made," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. "Their ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching and research at Trent inspires and challenges us toward success. Congratulations to this year's award recipients on their outstanding achievements."
Recipients of all 2024/25 Trent Teaching and Research Awards of Excellence, including the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, Distinguished Research Award, Early Career Researcher Awards, Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation, Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance, Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, and the CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching, will be celebrated at Trent University's fifth annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching & Research on April 30, 2025.
A full list of recipients follows:
Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: David Riegert, Mathematics & Statistics
The Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, named in honour of Trent's founding president Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, recognizes faculty and staff members who encourage and inspire learning, offer unique experiences to their students, and challenge them to do their best work.
David Riegert, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, is this year's recipient of the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of his innovative teaching methods and his ability to foster dynamic and inclusive learning environments. He received an overwhelming number of nominations speaking of his ability to provide exceptional support to his students and challenge his students to reach their full potential.
From a nominator: "As a future educator, I aspire to be like Professor Riegert. His evident interest and excitement with the course content, concern for students, and clear and intentional teaching strategies both inspire me to improve my own teaching and dive deeper into statistics outside of the classroom."
Distinguished Research Award: Dr. Marguerite A. Xenopoulos
The Distinguished Research Award is the highest honour conferred by Trent University for research and scholarly activity.
The 2025 Distinguished Research Award honours Dr. Marguerite A. Xenopoulos, the Canada Research Chair in Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems and a professor in the Department of Biology at Trent University. Professor Xenopoulos' groundbreaking research in freshwater ecology has had a profound impact on the global scientific community, driving innovation in habitat restoration and ecosystem management. Prof. Xenopoulos has secured millions of dollars in funding for research, which has supported research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at Trent, and worked alongside government agencies, community organizations, and other research institutions to advance evidence-based conservation practices for freshwater. As the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, Prof. Xenopoulos is working to improve inclusion in science publishing, which earned her the 2024 William Kaula Award from the American Geophysical Union.
Award for Educational Leadership & Innovation: Dr. Joanna Freeland, Biology
Recognizes faculty and staff who make a distinctive impact through their educational leadership and innovation in teaching and learning.
The Award for Educational Leadership & Innovation is being awarded to Dr. Joanna Freeland, a professor in the Department of Biology. Professor Freeland is recognized for her outstanding leadership and innovation at the course, departmental, and institutional levels. She has developed eight new courses, established new degree streams, and adjusted course requirements to build more equitable and effective learning pathways. Prof. Freeland developed a new first-year Biology course for non-majors and spearheaded the requirement for a humanities credit in Biology. Prof. Freeland's dedication to equity diversity and inclusion, cross-disciplinary collaboration and curricular innovation have had a profound impact on Trent University.
Early Career Researcher Awards
Recognizes promising, early career researchers and is designed to help accelerate early-stage career faculty in building a sustainable and successful research program.
Dr. Mary-Claire Buell, Trent School of the Environment and Forensic Science
Dr. Mary-Claire Buell is an assistant professor cross-appointed to the School of the Environment and Department of Forensic Science. Professor Buell's community-engaged research program demonstrates a dedication to inclusion and justice in research. Her work emphasizes scientific innovation and engagement with Indigenous Knowledge, as evidenced by an outstanding record of research funding and publications. As director of the TRACE Lab (Transdisciplinary Action confronting Contaminants in the Environment), Prof. Buell has developed a pioneering framework for ecotoxicological risk assessment that bridges Indigenous Knowledge and western science, receiving global recognition for articulating the limitations of standard risk assessment methodologies.
Dr. Melanie Rosen, Philosophy
Dr. Melanie Rosen is an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy, specializing in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science, particularly dreaming. Professor Rosen has an extensive publication record, including articles in top peer-reviewed journals, such as Synthase, and books. Prof. Rosen has received multiple grants, including an SSHRC Insight Grant, and is a member of an international research project on the role of dreams in treating depression. Prof. Rosen's teaching reflects Trent's strength in interdisciplinary study, with courses blending the humanities and empirical sciences to engage students in topics like the philosophy of science, AI, and dreaming.
Dr. Stephanie Tobin, Biology
Dr. Stephanie Tobin is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Trent University, specializing in cellular aging and repair mechanisms. Professor Tobin has an extensive publication record and has been awarded several national grants, including the NSERC Discovery Grant and NSERC Alliance Catalysts Grant. In addition, Prof. Tobin has been recognized with multiple awards for contributions to both research and teaching, including the Stem Cell Network Early Career Researcher Symposium and Conference Prize in 2023. Prof. Tobin is a collaborative researcher, working with several Trent faculty members on aging and cell research projects. She plays a crucial role in shaping the future of research by creating opportunities for students to engage in research, offering mentorship and training for the next generation of scientists.
Award for Excellence in Online Teaching: Dr. George Kovacs, Ancient Greek & Roman Studies
Recognizes instructors who have demonstrated a passion for, and commitment to, online teaching and who have implemented effective approaches to fostering active learning and student involvement.
The Award for Excellence in Online Teaching is being awarded to Dr. George Kovacs, an associate professor in Ancient Greek & Roman Studies. Professor Kovacs is celebrated for his innovative and creative approach to online teaching. In his course, Origins of Modern Terminology, he has implemented a "choose your own adventure" design to engage students in online learning by giving students the ability to direct their own learning based on their personal interests.
Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance: Mark Trumble, Mathematics & Statistics
Recognizes teaching assistants who excel at encouraging learning in workshop, tutorial, seminar, laboratory, or field settings.
The Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance is being awarded to Mark Trumble, a dedicated teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics with an aptitude for explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This teaching skill has greatly enhanced students' learning. Trumble's approachable teaching style and willingness to assist students have made him a valued member of the department and broader academic community.
CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Paul Mazzocchi, Political Studies
Recognizes contract faculty who have a strong, positive impact on students' learning.
Dr. Paul Mazzocchi is receiving the CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching. Formerly a sessional faculty member in the Department of Political Studies, Professor Mazzocchi is celebrated for his ability to push students' critical thinking with thought-provoking questions and dynamic class discussions. Prof. Mazzocchi's engaging teaching style and commitment to supporting students has positively impacted student learning.
"Trent researchers are at the forefront of Trent's scholarly innovation, and the award recipients are shining examples of these achievements," said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president of Research and Innovation at Trent University. "Groundbreaking research takes time, so these awards, which recognize both those who have long-standing and productive research programs as well as those who are making strides in the early phases of their career, help to inspire investigators and ensure consistent and ongoing knowledge creation."
"The teaching awards are given to instructors and teaching assistants who exemplify the high-quality learning experience students can expect at Trent University," added Dr. Kristy Buccieri, acting associate dean of Teaching and Learning. "Effective teaching happens through many different approaches and forms because students all learn differently, and the diversity of awards and recipients reflects that. This year's recipients have shown a commitment to best pedagogical practices and prioritizing student-centred learning."
Learn more about the Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, including more details about the awards and current teaching and research award recipients. Now in its fifth year, the event is a collaboration between the Trent Teaching Commons and the Office of Research and Innovation. The celebration will be held on April 30 at 12 p.m. in the Student Centre at Trent University, and will also be live-streamed, to recognize these award winners and their contributions.
Distinguished Research Award recipient, Dr. Marguerite A. Xenopoulos ; and Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient, David Riegert.
