George S. Glinski Excellence in Research Award
Robert Delatolla, Department of Civil Engineering
Dr. Delatolla is renowned for his groundbreaking work on wastewater surveillance, particularly for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, Mpox, polio and tuberculosis. His methods have transformed public health strategies, notably in Ontario, where his RSV surveillance improved preventive treatment timing for at-risk children. Delatolla's leadership of the Ontario Wastewater Surveillance Initiative set global standards, integrating wastewater data into health responses. In six years, he has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and received numerous awards. His 2022 Engineering Excellence Medal recognized his major influence on community health and exceptional leadership in wastewater surveillance.
John V. Marsh Award for Excellence in Teaching
Timothy C. Lethbridge, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
During his 30-year tenure at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Lethbridge has made a significant impact on software engineering education. His innovative teaching blends theory and practice, exemplified by his course development and the creation of the influential Umple tool, which has proved beneficial for students. Beyond teaching, he mentors students, leads curriculum development and shapes national and international educational standards. His contributions have earned him prestigious awards like the IEEE Outstanding Contribution Award, underscoring his dedication to student learning, teaching methods and research standards.
Excellence in Research Partnerships Award
Ousmane Seidou, Department of Civil Engineering
Dr. Seidou is a trailblazer in the field of statistical hydrology and water resources engineering, focusing on the effects of climate change. With a PhD from École Polytechnique de Montréal and a distinguished career at the University of Ottawa, he has become a global authority on predicting and mitigating water-related challenges. His research, with 87 publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcases his commitment to advancing water resource management globally. Seidou’s key projects include the Nexus Guidelines for the Niger Basin, affecting over 130 million people, and the BAM-GIRE project in Mali and Guinea, integrating water resources management.
Award for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research
Colin Rennie, Department of Civil Engineering
Dr. Rennie has made significant contributions to river engineering with his research on experimental hydraulics, river mechanics, geomorphology, sediment transport, hydrokinetic power and water quality modelling. His interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in biology, and environmental and earth sciences, have garnered international recognition. Rennie’s impressive academic achievements include being a visiting fellow at KU Leuven and a fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. His scholarly output includes over 120 refereed journal publications, numerous books and several conference appearances. His work has not only advanced the field of river engineering but also has significant practical applications in environmental management and policy-making.
Early Career Researcher of the Year Award
Jean-Philippe St-Pierre, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Dr. St-Pierre has established an innovative research program in biomedical engineering focusing on biomaterials and tissue engineering for joint injuries and arthritis treatment. His work on drug delivery, cell-instructive hydrogels, engineered cartilage and in vitro disease models has significantly advanced knowledge in these areas. St-Pierre’s research has received substantial funding and led to numerous high-impact publications. His dedication to training students in a multidisciplinary environment has resulted in successful careers for his trainees in academia, industry and the public sector. His collaborative efforts and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion have further enhanced his influence on the research community.
Teaching Innovation Award
Marianne Fenech, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Fenech has shown exceptional innovation in integrating technology into biomedical engineering education. She has designed application-focused courses to foster creativity and teamwork. During the pandemic, her “Lab in an Envelope” program provided hands-on experience at home, a testament to her adaptability and commitment to student learning. Her classroom pedagogy favours collaborative learning, greater autonomy and critical thinking. Fenech also enhances student engagement by leading initiatives such as field trips to CHEO and teaching labs.
Part-time Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching
Karim Alghoul, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Dr. Alghoul's journey to academia speaks to his passion for teaching and mentorship. After completing a master’s and working as a software engineer, he returned to pursue a PhD, enabling him to blend industry experience and academic insight. As a professor, he goes beyond traditional teaching approaches. He incorporates real-world scenarios, role-playing and technology to prepare students for success in the ever-evolving tech industry. Alghoul’s continuous professional development in machine learning and technological advancements keeps his teaching methods and content relevant and up to date.
Teaching Assistant Award
Halynne Lamontagne, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Halynne Lamontagne has demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance as a teaching assistant (TA) since fall 2021. With a strong background in chemical engineering, Halynne has contributed over 715 hours as a TA for various courses, including the fourth-year capstone plant design project. Her mentorship has been instrumental in student teams’ success in national competitions, enhancing uOttawa chemical engineering's reputation. Halynne improves teaching effectiveness and the student experience by sharing her expertise with colleagues. As an NSERC scholarship holder and prolific researcher with eight journal publications, she also exemplifies academic success.
Frank Giacobbi Award for Outstanding Faculty Service
Luc Cloutier, Department of Civil Engineering
Luc Cloutier has served as senior administrative officer for the Department of Civil Engineering since 2013. He has used his administrative experience and unwavering determination to transform the department’s operations. His leadership has not only increased productivity and reduced errors but has also allowed the department to manage major challenges such as departmental expansion, software updates and the COVID-19 pandemic. His insight and problem-solving abilities were extremely useful throughout the move to the Workday system. Cloutier’s achievements won him the 2022 A. Skaff Distinguished Service Award, and his active participation on University committees and community projects demonstrates his exceptional dedication and character.
