Cape Breton University Recognizes Research and Teaching Excellence

Cape Breton University recently celebrated its annual research and teaching awards for 2024, honouring eight distinguished faculty members across five categories.

Dr. Catherine-Leviten Reid, Associate Professor of Community Economic Development, received the prestigious President’s Award for Research Excellence. This award acknowledges her national leadership in housing policy research, advocating for housing as a fundamental human right.

Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, Associate Vice-President of Academic and Research, says research is a foundational to CBU’s academic excellence. “We are so proud to highlight the important work that faculty are doing as teachers, as well as through their exceptional research pursuits,” says Dr. Brann-Barrett. “Research is advancing the knowledge and expertise that CBU faculty share with our students in the classroom, while supporting local, national and international priorities.”

Other honourees included Dr. Heather Schmidt and Dawn White, each receiving an Instructional Leadership Award. Dr. Schmidt, an Assistant Professor of Psychology, is recognized for her service as a teaching chair in Allyship and Decolonization, supporting professional development among her colleagues. Ms. White, a Senior Lab Instructor in Communications, was celebrated for her leadership in the growth and evolution of the Dr. Mary A. Lynch Communication Lab, the longest-running lab of its kind in North America.

The President’s Award for a Rising Researcher was presented to Dr. Alana Pindar, Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Pindar is recognized for her expertise in bees and pollination, with a focus on land use planning and food security. She is also known for her role in recreating Mabel Bell’s gardens on the grounds of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck.

The CBU Alumni Association’s Distinguished Teaching Awards were presented to Dr. Maya Giorbelidze, Assistant Professor in the Shannon School of Business, and Dr. Heather Schmidt, with her second award of the evening. Each was commended for exceptional contributions to the student experience at CBU, highlighting their dedication to individual student needs and learning outcomes.

The Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award was presented to both Dr. Marcia Ostashewski and Dr. Jason Loxton for their unique community-focused research endeavors. Dr. Ostashewski, an Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology, was recognized for her work on equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly her ongoing partnerships with Membertou First Nation. Dr. Loxton, a Senior Lab Instructor in Geology, was lauded for his voluntary research to support the Cape Breton Fossil Centre and the Sydney Mines Heritage Museum. Dr. Loxton serves as curator, integrating paleontology with local heritage preservation, public education and community empowerment.

President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall, honoured the recipients with words of gratitude during the ceremony. “Through your work, you inspire change, empower future generations and contribute to thriving communities. Your dedication does not go unnoticed and Cape Breton University is proud to celebrate your accomplishments,” President Dingwall shared. “The achievements we celebrate tonight demonstrate the impact of research and teaching, not only within our university but far beyond.”

Congratulations to the recipients of CBU’s research and teaching awards!

In the photo:

(L-R) Maya Giorbelidze, Alana Pindar, Jason Loxton, Marcia Ostashewski, Catherine Leviten-Reid, Heather Schmidt, President David C. Dingwall, Tanya-Brann Barrett, Associate Vice-President, Academic and Research. Missing from photo: Dawn White