Congratulations to Tonya DelSontro, Rodney Smith, and Lyndon Jones, this year’s recipients of the Excellence in Science Research Awards.
Since 2021, the Excellence in Science Research Awards have recognized outstanding research accomplishments by Science faculty members. Each year, three researchers from across the Faculty of Science are celebrated: one tenure-track faculty, one mid-career tenured faculty (up to 10 years post-tenure), and one senior-career tenured faculty (more than 10 years post-tenure).
These awards draw attention to the research area of each recipient, recognize excellence at Waterloo, and strengthen subsequent nominations for external research awards.
Tonya DelSontro
Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental Science
Dr. Tonya DelSontro is a limnologist with expertise in aquatic biogeochemistry, particularly greenhouse gas and carbon cycling. Her research interests lie in understanding how anthropogenic impacts, such as eutrophication, influence carbon cycles and integrated greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) budgets in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands/ponds. Her work advances our understanding of how to assess the climatic impacts of freshwaters, the human influence that modulates those effects, and how to more accurately estimate that impact at larger scales.
“It’s an honour to be recognized as an Excellence in Science Research awardee this year. Research never truly succeeds in a silo, and I must recognize the brilliant collaborators in Canada and abroad that I have worked with over the years, as well as the undergraduate and graduate students here and elsewhere that have contributed to this research.”
Rodney Smith
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Dr. Rodney Smith's research interests lie in the fabrication and characterization of solid-state materials that mediate the electrochemical synthesis of sustainable fuels. Smith develops innovative fabrication techniques, examines the structure of materials, and studies reaction kinetics and dynamics in an effort to improve the efficiency and selectivity of reactions such as electrochemical water splitting. His research is interdisciplinary, involving materials synthesis and a diverse selection of spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques.
“I'm thrilled to be honoured with the Excellence in Science Research Award. Everything my team has accomplished arises from the dedication of my team, mentors, and colleagues. It is a privilege to work in an environment that provides such amazing flexibility and broad scientific capabilities.”
Lyndon Jones
Professor, Optometry and Vision Science
Dr. Lyndon Jones has authored over 550 refereed and professional papers, one textbook, and given over 1200 invited lectures at conferences worldwide in over 40 countries. His research interests primarily focus on the interaction of novel and existing contact lens materials with the ocular environment, dry eye, and the development of novel materials for ocular drug delivery. His research work has attracted grant and contract funding of over $130 million.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Excellence in Science Research Award. The achievements recognized through this award are the result of a remarkable team effort involving graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, colleagues at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), and international collaborators. Together, we have pursued research that advances knowledge and contributes to improved patient care, and I am grateful for their dedication, expertise, and support.”