Paul Stolee honoured for excellence in graduate supervision

Monday, March 8, 2021
Paul Stolee.

Paul Stolee, a professor in the School of Public Health and Health Systems, will receive a 2020-21 University of Waterloo Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision.

Since joining the School in 2008, Stolee has supervised more than 30 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. His extensive contributions across graduate training, research, service and advocacy were praised in 31 personal letters that supported his nomination for the award.

“It is a great privilege to be part of the growth and development of the outstanding students and trainees that study in our graduate program, and very rewarding to see them go on to succeed in their chosen careers,” Stolee said.

He is known for fostering an environment that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, compassion and fun, and where students extend the relevance of their work through collaboration with policy makers, health-care providers, community organizations and older adult partners.

As director of the Geriatric Health Systems Research Group (GHS), Stolee’s research focuses on methods to improve the effectiveness of geriatric health services and systems. Stolee has worked with innovators, industry and government in national projects to develop recommendations that will expedite the adoption of health technologies that can improve the health and quality of life of older persons.

As director of the University’s Network for Aging Research, Stolee continues to support young researchers and graduate students across all six Faculties at the University. His commitment to students’ professional and personal development extends beyond degree completion; graduates have gone on to careers in academia, health research and the health professions.

While acting as interim dean in 2018-19, Stolee advanced the Faculty’s commitment to mental health and well-being, and more recently offered leadership as co-chair of a task force on graduate supervision in the School of Public Health and Health Systems.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA), in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association, established this award to recognize exemplary faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in graduate student supervision. The two other recipients this year are Brian Forrest (Math) and Carolyn Ren (Engineering), and the award will be presented at spring convocation.