Eighteen researchers, teachers, students and artists are receiving University of Victoria’s REACH awards, which pay tribute to campus leaders who champion dynamic learning and make a vital impact at UVic, in the classroom and beyond.
These awards celebrate and recognize our amazing faculty and graduate students who demonstrate their commitment to excellence in teaching, research and creative activity. This year’s 18 distinguished honourees are inspiring teachers and researchers who are making a real difference in our communities, both locally and globally. Congratulations to all award recipients and nominees and thank you for your leadership and passion.”
—President and Vice-Chair Kevin Hall
In a ceremony on May 1, 2025, awards will be given in three general categories: Excellence in Research, Excellence in Teaching and the Provost’s Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and inclusion.
2024 REACH Award recipients
Excellence in research awards
David H. Turpin Gold Medal for Career Achievement in Research
Arif Babul, Physics and Astronomy
Silver Medal for Excellence in Research
Julia Baum, Biology
Research Impact Award
Nick Dechev, Mechanical Engineering
Award for Excellence in Creativity and Artistic Expression
Kelly Richardson, Visual Arts
Award for Excellence in Research Partnerships
Makhsud Saidaminov and Sahar Sam, Chemistry
ʔəy̓ nəwəl ʔist | ÍY,NEUELIST | Moving forward together for the good of all | Indigenous Scholar Award for Excellence in Research
Christine O’Bonsawin, History
Early Career Award for Excellence in Research
David Leitch, Chemistry
Excellence in teaching awards
Harry Hickman Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching and Educational Leadership
David Leach, Writing
Gilian Sherwin Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching
Gillian Krezoski, Geography
Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision and Mentorship
Kim Venn, Physics and Astronomy
Award for Inclusive and Innovative Course Design
Violeta Iosub, Chemistry
Nəc̓əmaat kʷəns čeʔi ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ĆȺNEUEL OL ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN | Work together with a good heart and mind Award for Decolonization and Indigenous Anti-Racism
Natasha Wawrykow, Psychology
Andy Farquharson Teaching Excellence Awards for Graduate Students
Kushal Dhake, Chemistry
Mayeyer Shroff, Physics and Astronomy
Arjun Banik, Mathematics and Statistics
Provost’s Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Provost’s Advocacy and Activism Awards in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
CindyAnn Rose-Redwood, Geography
Kirk McNally, Music
The event is by invitation only. Please contact Ceremonies and Events for details. The event will be recorded and available on the webpage later in May.
