MoGen Department's Retreat: Highlights and Award Winners

The Molecular Genetics (MoGen) department organized an off-campus retreat in Niagara-on-the-Lake on September 18-19, 2023. This was the first time the department had gathered in this way since 2019. The two-day event brought together 280 passionate faculty and students who were eager to enhance their academic knowledge and strengthen their bond as a department.

The retreat offered a variety of engaging activities, including presentations, poster sessions, and MoGen-themed games that kept everyone actively participating. To cap off the event, an awards ceremony and dance party were organized to add a touch of celebration. Overall, it was a fantastic two-day event that brought the MoGen community closer together and extended a warm welcome to incoming MoGen graduate students.

One of the highlights of the retreat was the recognition of outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the department and their respective fields. Let's take a closer look at the award winners:

The L.W. Macpherson Microbiology Award, which carries a prize of $ 1,500, is presented to the most accomplished M.Sc./Ph.D. student in microbiology. 
Winner: Ashley Campbell (Frappier lab)

With a $ 1,400 prize, the Roman Pakula Award recognizes excellence among M.Sc. students in the Department of Molecular Genetics. 
Winner: Jacob Fine (Blencowe lab)

The Norman Bethune Award is a competitive award with a $ 2,000 prize and is offered to graduate students in the first two years of their Ph.D. programs. 
Winner: Esra Erkut (Scott lab)

Eric Hani Fellowship is dedicated to students conducting research in microbiology and is part of the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Funds (OSOTF), with a substantial prize of $10,000. 
Winner: Maria Fahim (Scott lab)

The Dr. Louis Siminovitch Catalyst Award, with a prize of $ 2,500, acknowledges the exceptional achievements of a senior Ph.D. student (3rd year or beyond) in genetics who also demonstrates a commitment to mentorship. 
Winner: Ashley Campbell (Frappier lab)

These awards celebrate individual excellence and reflect the department's commitment to fostering talent and mentorship within the MoGen community.

The retreat was a memorable experience that helped strengthen the bonds between faculty and students while recognizing each member's contributions to research. As the department looks ahead to the future, it is already planning next year's retreat, eager to continue its academic exploration and journey of camaraderie.

For a glimpse into the retreat, you can view photos here.