Dr. Susan Elliott, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management and University Research Chair in Medical Geography, has been honored with the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision. This prestigious award recognizes faculty members who exemplify outstanding mentorship, guidance, and support for their graduate students.
Nominated by both current and former students, Dr. Elliott was selected for her exceptional dedication as a mentor, advisor, and role model, fostering not only academic success but also a strong sense of community and professional development. With a distinguished career spanning over 250 peer-reviewed publications, her research integrates science and policy to explore how built, social, and physical environments impact health.
As the head of the GoHelP lab at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Elliott has supervised and mentored an impressive 27 Master’s students, 22 PhD students, and 16 postdoctoral fellows. Many of her former students now contribute to research, policymaking, and advocacy in academia, government, industry, and international NGOs. Her continued commitment to graduate training is evident in her current supervision of three Master’s, seven PhD students, and three postdoctoral scholars, alongside many research staff, interns, and co-op students.
Letters of support from her students highlight Dr. Elliott’s open-door policy, constructive feedback, and unwavering encouragement, emphasizing how she both challenges and empowers her students. She is known for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, providing networking opportunities, and continuing to support students long after they have graduated. As one former student remarked, “she is always a ‘phone text’ away.”
Dr. Elliott’s impact extends beyond individual mentorship—her legacy of academic excellence and compassion continues through the many students she has trained, who now serve as mentors and leaders themselves. Her dedication to graduate supervision not only enriches the Faculty of Environment but also strengthens the global research community.
Congratulations Susan - this honour is truly well deserved!
