The University of Victoria is recognizing 14 researchers, teachers, students and artists, as recipients of the REACH Awards. The awards pay tribute to campus leaders who champion dynamic learning and make a vital impact at UVic, in the classroom and beyond.
The REACH Awards provide UVic with an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our amazing faculty and graduate students. This year's 14 honourees have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in teaching, research and creative activity. Their dedication and efforts are making a real difference to our students and in the local community and beyond. Congratulations to all award recipients and nominees and thank you for your leadership."
Qwul'sih'yah'maht Robina Thomas, acting president and vice-chair
In a ceremony on April 30, 2026, awards will be given in three general categories: Excellence in Research, Excellence in Teaching and the Provost's Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and inclusion.
2025 REACH Award recipients
Excellence in research awards
David H. Turpin Gold Medal for Career Achievement in Research
Yang Shi, Mechanical Engineering
Silver Medal for Excellence in Research
Magdalena Bazalova-Carter, Physics and Astronomy
Research Impact Award
Dennis Hore, Chemistry
ʔəy̓ nəwəl ʔist | ÍY,NEUELIST | Moving forward together for the good of all | Indigenous Scholar Award for Excellence in Research
Darcy Lindberg, Law
Early Career Award for Excellence in Research
Sophie Norris, Geography
Greg Owens, Biology
Excellence in teaching awards
Harry Hickman Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership
Gillian Calder, Law
Gilian Sherwin Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching
Erdem Yazganoglu, Health Information Science
Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision and Mentorship
Heather Buckley, Civil Engineering
Award for Inclusive and Innovative Course Design
Bosco Yu, Mechanical Engineering
Nəc̓əmaat kʷəns čeʔi ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ĆȺNEUEL OL ÍY, Ś ÁLEȻEN | Work together with a good heart and mind Award for Decolonization and Indigenous Anti-Racism
Leanne Kelly, School of Nursing
Andy Farquharson Teaching Excellence Awards for Graduate Students
Jenna Mehlmann, Business
Ambreen Shehzad Hussaini, Art History and Visual Studies
Stephanie Erickson, English
Provost's Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Provost's Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Heather Buckley, Civil Engineering
The event is by invitation only. Please contact Ceremonies and Events for details. The event will be recorded and available on the webpage later in May.
