From left, Dr. Claudio Verani, Sarika Sharma and Dr. Dan Mennill. Sharma received the Going Above & Beyond in Research Masters award for her work addressing local ecological restoration. (MICHELLE BONDY/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
Faculty, staff and students were recognized for their excellence in service, teaching and research at the Faculty of Science Spring and Shout event.
While 17 award recipients were celebrated across the faculty, three honourees — master’s student Sarika Sharma (BSc ’24), staff member Jayne Pierce and instructor Olena Syrotkina — showcase some of the stories behind this year’s awards.
One of those awarded was Sharma.
The master’s student received the Going Above & Beyond in Research Masters award for her work addressing local ecological restoration.
She uses geographic information systems (GIS), drones and artificial intelligence as tools to support the mapping and management of Phragmites australis, an invasive perennial reed.
“Although my research is technical in nature, it is heavily rooted in community — that's what this award means to me,” says Sharma.
“I have had the privilege of contributing to existing relationships with various communities and environmental groups. The voices of local practitioners have been present throughout this work, helping to guide it towards a balance of advanced techniques and accessibility for implementation.”
In addition to research, Sharma helped plan and organize an international biodiversity workshop focused on the role of Indigenous and local knowledge in science-policy.
“The global themes of community, legitimacy and action resurfaced locally in my project and reframed its intention to extend beyond the scientific process and into community service.”
Another recipient was Pierce, head secretary in the
From left, Dr. Claudio Verani, Jayne Pierce and Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved. Pierce received the Staff Service Excellence Award. (MICHELLE BONDY/University of Windsor)
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Forensic Science. She received the Staff Service Excellence Award.
“I’ve been in the department for eight years and my favourite part of the job is the people,” she says. “We have wonderful students, faculty and staff and many are very kind and have a great sense of humour too. It is very special to receive this and I’m thankful to have such a good job.”
Syrotkina started teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the School of Computer Science in 2022. She says receiving the Roger Thibert Teaching Excellence Award is a tremendous honour and means a great deal to her personally and professionally.
“Teaching has always been more than just delivering course content for me — it is about inspiring students, supporting them through challenges, and helping them build confidence in themselves and their abilities,” she says.
“As someone who began her academic journey in Ukraine and later continued it in Canada, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the value of dedication, resilience, and passion for teaching across different cultures and educational systems.”
From left, Dr. Claudio Verani, Olena Syrotkina and Dr. Phil Dutton. Syrotkina, along with Dr. Neil Porter (not pictured), are this year’s recipients of the Roger Thibert Teaching Excellence Award. (MICHELLE BONDY/University of Windsor)
The event celebrated achievements across research, teaching and mentorship within the Faculty of Science
"Spring & Shout represents an opportunity for the Faculty of Science to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, our staff, and our faculty, and the community we build together,” says Dr. Cláudio Verani, dean of science.
“We have extra talented students, faculty and staff that really go the extra mile, and this gives us all quite a lot of pride."
All winners at the Faculty of Science 2026 Spring and Shout event include:
Faculty and staff award recipients:
- Roger Thibert Teaching Excellence Award: Olena Syrotkina, Computer Science
- Roger Thibert Teaching Excellence Award: Neil Porter, Environment
- Student Mentoring & Engagement Award: TJ Hammond, Physics
- Staff Impact Award: Margaret Garabon, Computer Science
- Staff Impact Award: Megan Fulmer, Economics/Computer Science
- Staff Service Excellence Award: Jayne Pierce, Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Going Above & Beyond in Research Post-Doc/RA: John Hayward, Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Going Above & Beyond in Research Adjunct: Bre-Anne Fifield, Biomedical Sciences
- Friend of Science: Paul Mastronardi, JEM Farms
- Friend of Science: WonderBroads Dragon Boat Team
Student award recipients:
- Ambassador Award Undergraduate: Shafeen Aziz, Computer Science
- Ambassador Award Graduate: Nelsy Nino, Biology
- Going Above & Beyond in Research Undergraduate: Adam Bakos, Biomedical Sciences
- Going Above & Beyond in Research Masters: Sarika Sharma, Environment
- Going Above & Beyond in Research Doctoral: Mark Potter, Chemistry & Biochemistry
- TA Excellence Award Undergraduate: Connor Filiault, Biology
- GA Excellence Award Graduate: Samra Khan, Chemistry & Biochemistry
"It is wonderful to see our faculty, staff and students celebrated for their passion and commitment to research, teaching and service,” says Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, associate dean, faculty and student engagement.
“Their outstanding contributions enrich the learning and working environment of the Faculty of Science, while elevating its profile in our community."
The awards are designed to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of members within the Faculty of Science.