The Department of Chemistry gathered on the afternoon of May 21, 2026, to celebrate a year of achievement, dedication, and community at its annual Awards Ceremony.
Honours were presented to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students.
For the first time in Chemistry's history, there were two winners of the Chair’s Doctoral Medal; these were presented to Dr. Holly Barrett and Dr. Daniel Lysak by Chair Mark Lautens, along with the Chair’s Outstanding Teaching Award, awarded to Mark Taylor, the Chair’s Outstanding Staff Medals, and the Teaching Assistants’ Excellence Award.
A special highlight of the afternoon was the introduction of the J. Bryan Jones Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship in Chemistry. The fellowship, endowed by Dr. Xiao Shang—who was one of Jones's mentees—will help to recruit exceptional graduate students and strengthen their vital research.
The ceremony also recognized the vital work of student volunteers. Members of WICTO, Green Chemistry Initiative, ChemClub, the Chemistry Student Union, and the Graduate Students’ Advisory Committee were presented with certificates in appreciation of their leadership, service, and commitment to the department’s vibrant community.
Mark Lautens poses with volunteers from various student groups. Above: Chemistry Students Union.
Graduate Student Advisory Committee.
ChemClub.
Green Chemistry Initiative.
A few more photos, below, offer a sense of the day.
Prof. Rousseaux with Peter Costa
Prof. Morra with Alexander Purton
Congratulations again to all the award winners—both those who joined us in person and those who could not be there—and to everyone who helps make our department such a lively community.