University of Guelph Researchers Honoured for Impactful Scholarship

Nine University of Guelph researchers have received this year's Research Excellence Awards for their groundbreaking work in various fields, including health, sustainability, and technology. The awards, presented by the Office of Research and the Office of the Provost, recognize newly tenured faculty members for their research, training, and knowledge mobilization accomplishments. The winners were selected for their outstanding commitment to delivering research with impact and their potential to become leaders in their disciplines.

Key Takeaways:

• Nine University of Guelph researchers received the 2025 Research Excellence Awards for their impactful scholarship.
• The awards recognize newly tenured faculty members for their research, training, and knowledge mobilization accomplishments.
• Winners were selected for their outstanding commitment to delivering research with impact and their potential to become leaders in their disciplines.
• The recipients are from various colleges, including the College of Arts, College of Biological Science, College of Engineering, and Ontario Veterinary College.
• The awardees' research focuses on diverse areas, such as antimicrobial resistance, renewable energy, Indigenous knowledge systems, and marketing psychology.

The awardees include:

• Cathryn Spence, a historian studying women's economic and social lives in early modern Scotland.
• Georgina Cox, a leading expert on pathogenic bacteria and Canada Research Chair in Antimicrobial Resistance.
• Leanne Chen, an interdisciplinary scientist developing computer models for renewable energy storage.
• Mihai Nica, a mathematician applying probability tools to machine learning.
• Sheng Yang, a smart manufacturing expert using digital twins and artificial intelligence.
• Faisal Moola, a biocultural conservation leader integrating natural and social sciences.
• Jing Wan, a marketer exploring the intersection of marketing and psychology.
• Jesse Popp, an Indigenous environmental scientist co-leading community-based projects.
• Giannina Descalzi, a researcher studying pain mechanisms and mental/emotional health.

Statistics:

• 9 researchers received the Research Excellence Awards.
• The awards recognize newly tenured faculty members.
• 5 of the recipients are Canada Research Chairs.
• 4 recipients are from the College of Arts.
• The awardees' research areas include antimicrobial resistance, renewable energy, Indigenous knowledge systems, and marketing psychology.

Sources:

• https://news.uoguelph.ca/2025/10/2025-research-excellence-awards-honour-impactful-scholarship/