An award
Every year, the Faculty of Social Sciences proudly recognizes the excellence of its professors and administrative staff by granting Faculty awards. Here is the list of the 2025 award recipients. Congratulations to all!

Please note that all testimonies are provided in the recipients' language of choice.
Nicole Racine

Early Career Researcher Award


The Early Career Researcher Award is presented annually to a faculty member of the Faculty of Social Sciences who has made remarkable contributions to the advancement of their unit and significantly in their field.

"This award is a recognition of our wonderful team of students, community partners, and individuals with lived experience who are dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing for children and families in Canada." Nicole Racine, School of Psychology

Sophie Lebel

Excellence in Research Award

The Excellence in Research Award is given annually to a faculty member in the Faculty of Social Sciences who has made exceptional contributions to the growth of their unit and significant advancements in their field.

Je suis extrêmement reconnaissante envers la Faculté des Sciences Sociales pour le prix d’Excellence en recherche. Ce prix représente le fruit du soutien continue de la Faculté depuis mon embauche pour mes travaux de recherche et ceux de mes étudiants qui visent à améliorer la qualité de vie et les interventions psychologiques disponibles pour les personnes touchées par le cancer. J’espère continuer à poursuivre mes collaborations établies et en développer de nouvelles afin de trouver des solutions novatrices pour accroitre l’accès aux interventions basées sur l’évidence en oncologie psychosociale." Sophie Lebel, School of Psychology

Maïka Sondarjee

Knowledge Mobilization Excellence Award (KMb)

The Knowledge Mobilization Excellence Award is presented to a faculty member of the Faculty of Social Sciences who has shared their knowledge beyond the scientific community. This award recognizes research activities that have been implemented in innovative and significant ways, both locally and nationally, and aims to encourage the continuation of existing initiatives or to support the development of new knowledge mobilization activities, thereby strengthening the links between academic research and society.

"Ce prix est un grand honneur pour moi. Je suis heureuse de voir que l’Université d’Ottawa soutient la recherche critique, orienté vers une amélioration de nos pratiques sociales. Ça donne envie de continuer à pousser les codes de l’académie, et à briser les murs entre l’université et les débats publics." Maïka Sondarjee, School of International Development and Global Studies

Nathalie Burlone

Excellence in Teaching Award

The Excellence in Teaching Award is granted to a member of the teaching staff, nominated by his or her peers, who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his or her teaching, in particular in the development of innovative teaching material, courses, and programs of study, and for his or her interpersonal skills.

"C’est avec une profonde gratitude que je reçois le prix d’excellence en enseignement de la FSS. Si ce prix reconnait le temps investi et le travail accompli, il souligne surtout les liens tissés avec les étudiantes et les étudiants, ainsi que la confiance qu’ils et elles m’ont accordée au fil des ans en osant partager leurs idées, leurs doutes et leurs vulnérabilités, et en s’investissant avec curiosité dans des projets exigeants. Merci pour le privilège d’être témoin de tant de parcours singuliers et lumineux." Nathalie Burlone, School of Political Studies 

Julian Caza

Part-Time Professor of the Year Award

The Part-Time Professor of the Year Award was created in recognition of the contribution of the members of the Association of Part-Time Professors of the University of Ottawa (APTPUO) to university education.

"I am so fortunate to get to meet so many wonderful students!" Julian Caza, School of Psychology

May Hamouie

Award for Service Excellence 

The Award for Service Excellence is granted to a member of the administrative staff to tangibly recognize the importance of quality service excellence in the student experience. The award recognizes the key role that employees play in positions geared toward service.

"Supporting students and professors is at the heart of my work. I always aim to be proactive in finding solutions that make their experience easier and more positive. Receiving this award is very meaningful to me because it shows that my efforts are valued and it encourages me to continue giving my best every day." May Hamouie, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Amanda Sigsworth

Administrative Staff Award

The Administrative Staff Award is granted to a member of the administrative staff that has contributed to the betterment of the Faculty and the unit in which he or she works, through his or her initiative, creativity and superior performance.

"I’m truly honoured to receive this award. Supporting graduate students and Faculty, and ensuring their positive experiences, are things I care deeply about and being recognized for this is incredibly meaningful. I’m especially grateful to the wonderful people at the School of Psychology who supported my nomination, thank you for your kindness and endless encouragement!" Amanda Sigsworth, School of Psychology