Prathana Pillai and Fallon Mitchell (not pictured) were this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Student Research Awards, graduate. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
From freshwater restoration research to studies examining how drug policy and harm reduction services shape HIV prevention and treatment outcomes, the 2026 Research and Innovation Excellence Awards exemplified the innovative research, scholarship and creative activity currently happening at the University of Windsor.
On May 21, the University’s research community celebrated the awards presented by the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
Faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows and students from across campus were recognized for achievements spanning various disciplines and career stages.
Dr. Jalal Ahamed receives his Outstanding Faculty Research and Innovation Awards, mid-career from Dr. Shanthi Johnson. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
This year’s 10 recipients were:
- Outstanding Faculty Research and Innovation Awards, emerging career – Dr. Cameron Proctor
- Outstanding Faculty Research and Innovation Awards, mid-career – Dr. Jalal Ahamed
- Outstanding Faculty Research and Innovation Awards, established career – Dr. Jennifer Willet
- Outstanding Student Research Awards, undergraduate – Abigail Scott
- Outstanding Student Research Awards, graduate Prathana Pillai and Fallon Mitchell
- Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow – Dr. Haleh Nazemi
- Outstanding Staff Award – Aaron Newhook
- Outstanding Impact Award – Dr. Catherine Febria
- Outstanding Inclusive Excellence Award – Dr. Adrian Guta
Dr. Cameron Proctor is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Research and Innovation Awards, emerging career. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
The awards recognized initiatives that forged connections with community, industry and government partners, while highlighting those who demonstrated originality, imagination and impact.
“The contributions across our campus are advancing new discoveries, informing policy, and strengthening communities locally and globally,” says Dr. Shanthi Johnson, vice-president research and innovation.
“At the Research and Innovation Excellence Awards, we celebrated the achievements of our researchers, students, and staff whose work is helping shape solutions to today’s most complex challenges, from breakthrough scholarship and creative activity to innovations that support communities and drive meaningful change, while bringing our community together across faculties.”
Faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows and students from across campus were recognized for achievements spanning various disciplines and career stages at the 2026 Research and Innovation Excellence Awards. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)