The AFS-OC Student Subunit sponsors an award for mentoring a student or young professional who is a member of Ontario Chapter. The purpose of the award is to recognize a current or previous fisheries professional who has contributed to an overall improved experience for AFS-OC students or young professionals.
At minimum, the recipient of the award should do one or more of the following:
- Guide and help an AFS-OC student or young professional to shape and define their future career
- Provide substantial assistance to an AFS-OC student or young professionals
- Assist with networking and goal setting
- Challenge, provide intellectual support, and acknowledge accomplishments
- Promote learning and provide training opportunities for AFS-OC students or young professionals to gain experience that would otherwise be unobtainable without the assistance of the nominee
- Encourage the pursuit of academic endeavors such as conference participation, presentations, and authorship
The award recipient is invited to present at the next AFS-OC Annual Meeting and Conference.
AWARD WINNERS
The 2024 recipient was Craig Paterson, St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. The award was announced at the 2024 AFS-OC Annual Meeting by Ontario Chapter Student Subunit President Markelle Morphet.
The 2023 recipient was Dr. Sigal Balshine, Professor Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviorr, Faculty of Science at McMaster University. The award was announced at the 2023 AFS-OC Annual Meeting by Student Subunit President Connor Reid.
The 2022 recipient was Dr. Nicholas Mandrak, Professor Department of Biological Sciences at University of Toronto, Scarborough. The award was announced at the 2022 AFS-OC Virtual Annual Meeting. Nick (right) was presented with his award at the 2023 AFS-OC Annual Meeting by Student Subunit President Connor Reid (left).
The 2021 recipient was Barbara Elliot, Professor, Ecosystem Management Program, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Fleming College. The award was announced at the 2021 AFS-OC Virtual Annual Meeting.
The 2020 recipient was Krystal Athanassiou, Project Biologist and Field Supervisor at Ontario Streams. Krystal (left) was presented with her award by Student Subunit Kawartha Regional Representative, Ashley Smith (right). The award was announced following the 2020 AFS-OC Annual Meeting.
The 2019 recipient was Dr. Andrew Drake from Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo. The award was announced at the 2019 AFS-OC Annual Meeting.
The 2018 recipient was Dr. Kathleen Gilmour from the University of Ottawa. The award was announced at the 2018 AFS-OC Annual Meeting. Kathleen (left) received her award from Student Subunit Vice President Mike Lawrence (right).
The 2017 recipient was Dr. Robert McLaughlin from the University of Guelph. The award was announced at the 2017 AFS-OC Annual Meeting. Rob was nominated by Adrienne McLean.
The 2016 recipient was Dr. Steven Cooke from Carleton University. The award was announced at the 2016 AFS-OC Annual Meeting. Steve (left) received his award from Student Subunit President Jake Brownscombe (right).
The 2015 recipient was Dr. Michael Fox from Trent University. The award was presented on February 28th at the 2015 AFS-OC Annual Meeting. Michael (right) received his award from Student Subunit President Jake Brownscombe (left).
The 2014 recipient was Dr. Jon Midwood from Carleton University. The award was presented on August 17th during the 144th American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting in Québec City. Jon (right) received his award from Student Subunit President Jake Brownscombe (left).
The inaugural recipient in 2013 was Dr. Lynda Corkum from the University of Windsor. Dr. Corkum (left) received her award from Ph.D. candidate Bill Glass (right). The award was announced at the 2013 AFS-OC Annual Meeting in March, but Lynda and Bill decided to wait for some warmer weather in May to do some fishing in the Detroit River.
