Waterloo recognizes graduate supervisory excellence

Graduate student success is built on strong mentorship, and this year’s four Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision winners exemplify what it means to be outstanding mentors, advisors and role models.

Each year, the University of Waterloo recognizes faculty members who go above and beyond in guiding, supporting and inspiring their graduate students. This year’s winners recognized outstanding supervisors from the faculties of Arts, Environment, Health and Mathematics.

“As a university, we recognize the profound impact that dedicated graduate supervisors have on the academic and professional journeys of our students,” says Dr. Justin Wan, co-associate vice-president, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

“The recipients of this year’s award exemplify the mentorship, guidance and commitment that foster an environment where graduate students thrive. We are proud to celebrate their outstanding contributions to our graduate community,” adds Dr. Clarence Woudsma, co-associate vice-president, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Dr. Evan Risko

Dr. Evan Risko, a professor of cognitive psychology and director of the Cognition and Natural Behaviour Laboratory in the Department of Psychology, has demonstrated a profound dedication to supporting students at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels in his highly productive lab. He has successfully supervised eight master’s theses and four PhD dissertations to completion, with an additional two master’s and six PhD students currently under his supervision. In addition, Risko has mentored two postdoctoral fellows.

In numerous letters of support, Risko was praised for his accessibility, responsiveness and quick feedback, as well as his unwavering dedication to helping students develop the skills and confidence to conduct independent research.

His colleagues and students alike emphasized his humanity and commitment to student success. One colleague remarked, “[Dr. Risko] stands out not only because of the depth of his contributions to mentoring his own students, but also the breadth of his graduate supervision activities. He goes above and beyond to create novel experiential learning opportunities for his students and in his role of associate chair, Graduate Studies, has worked tirelessly to improve graduate student experiences across the entire Department of Psychology.”

Dr. Susan Elliott

Dr. Susan Elliott is a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management and University Research Chair in Medical Geography. As a health geographer with a distinguished career, she has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles related to the global environment and health. Her research spans the built environment, socially constructed risks and the physical environment's effects on health, always emphasizing the integration of science and policy. Her work is characterized by a transdisciplinary approach that includes partnerships with knowledge owners and users.

In her role as the head of the GoHelP lab at the University of Waterloo, Elliott has supervised and mentored 27 master’s students, 17 PhD students, and 16 postdoctoral felllows. These former students are now conducting innovative geographical research, drafting new health policy, and advocating for health and social equity in a range of venues: academic institutions, all three levels of the Canadian government, governments abroad, industry and private sectors, and local and international NGOs.

The letters of support in Elliott’s nomination package highlight the strong research training, supportive mentorship and sense of community that she provides to graduate students. They note that Elliott’s open-door policy and genuine interest in their personal and professional lives create a supportive environment. Her mentorship continues as students graduate and enter the workforce. One student noting that, “she is always a ‘phone text’ away.”

Dr. Ellen MacEachen

Since joining the School of Public Health Sciences in 2014, Dr. Ellen MacEachen has demonstrated a unique blend of characteristics that serve her well as a mentor, supervisor, advocate and champion for professional development among graduate students and others. Letters of support for her nomination note that she is dedicated, encouraging, inspiring and responsive, and also encourages her students to achieve their full potential in a caring and productive way.

Even as MacEachen became head of the School in 2021, she has continued to prioritize student advancement and gives her time meaningfully. She has simplified many administrative processes and created new learning avenues for students, including opening opportunities to engage with her extensive international networks in academic and non-academic settings.

“From my observation, Dr. MacEachen provides outstanding support to students without creating a reliance that would be to their detriment,” said Dr. Samantha Meyer, the School’s associate director of graduate research programs. “She has high expectations and those who know her will easily envision her wide smile in greeting students as she provides a welcoming environment and sense of belonging.”

Dr. M. Tamer Özsu

Dr. M. Tamer Özsu, a professor in the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, has an outstanding record of graduate supervision. He has guided 19 doctoral students and 40 master’s students to completion, and has also supervised 15 international visiting graduate students along with 11 postdoctoral researchers. Many of his students have earned prestigious accolades themselves, among them the Alumni Gold Medal, Governor General’s Award, NSERC Doctoral Dissertation Award, SIGMOD Test-of-Time Award and ICDE Best Paper Award.

The letters submitted in support of his nomination from former graduate students highlight Özsu’s commitment to their academic success and his unwavering support for their personal and professional growth. His former students recount the lasting impact of his mentorship, which extends beyond research to career development and personal guidance.

“An outstanding graduate supervisor must also be an outstanding leader,” wrote one of his nominators. “I fondly recall Tamer’s leadership and how it shaped my success as a graduate student. He consistently championed my work — both within the research community and at the University of Waterloo — ensuring I had every opportunity to excel. At every stage, he provided the perfect balance of autonomy and support. But above all, Tamer is a remarkably selfless mentor who always puts his students and their success first. He is not only an exceptional academic but also an extraordinary mentor and an even more extraordinary human being.”

All winners receive a $1,000 cash prize, Waterloo-crested certificate, and will be celebrated at the Celebration of Teaching Excellence and Innovation in October.

Nominations for the 2025-2026 competition will open in fall 2025.