Awards: Graduate and Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program

We are thrilled to introduce the awardees for the Graduate and Postdoctoral Scholars Recognition Program to recognize leaders in promoting DEIR (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect), research safety, and mentorship. Their dedication and leadership in upholding these values set an inspiring example for their peers and the broader scientific community. Congratulations to the 2024 awardees from Queen’s University! 🎉  

Please be on the lookout for upcoming posts to highlight each of these awardees! 

Left to right: Fateme Rezagholizade, Neil Grenade, Dana Nanan, and Dr. Maria Cleveland

Neil Grenade 

Q-ACS is pleased to announce that Neil Grenade has been awarded the 2024 ACS Graduate Scholar Recognition Program (GSPRP) Award for Leadership in Mentoring. 🎉  

This recognition category highlights a graduate student’s outstanding efforts and commitment to mentoring. Neil has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring by supervising multiple junior lab members and by volunteering to help others with techniques, instrumentation, or other challenges. Neil has been described as a “particularly strong communicator and conversationalist who puts others at ease.” Neil’s contribution to the professional development of his mentees, while cultivating strong interpersonal relationships and deepening their understanding of research, are all qualities that merit him this award. Congratulations, Neil! 

Dr. Maria Cleveland  

Q-ACS is pleased to announce that Dr. Maria Cleveland has been awarded the 2024 ACS Postdoctoral Scholar Recognition Program (GSPRP) Award for Leadership in Mentoring. 🎉  

This recognition category highlights a postdoctoral scholar’s outstanding efforts and commitment to mentoring. Dr. Cleveland has been described as a natural leader who frequently ensures that all aspects of the three labs she works in run smoothly. Dr. Cleveland has aptly demonstrated her ability to evaluate her mentees' individual working styles and needs, ensuring they are provided with the support needed. Dr. Cleveland's ability and willingness to communicate and share her expertise merit her this recognition. Congratulations, Maria! 

Dana Nanan 

Q-ACS is pleased to announce that Dana Nanan has been awarded the 2024 ACS Graduate Scholar Recognition Program (GSPRP) Award for Leadership in the Promotion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR). 🎉  

This recognition category highlights the outstanding efforts of a graduate student in promoting DEIR within their program. As a first-generation student and woman of colour in STEM, Dana takes a leadership role within the lab, offering her unique perspective and experience to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all lab members. Over the past year, Dana has actively contributed to the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute’s (C2MCI) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee, embedding EDI principles into research, team dynamics, and training opportunities from a graduate student perspective. Dana participates in and actively advocates for EDI events organized by the department and C2MCI, encouraging her peers to attend. Dana’s contributions to an inclusive work environment merit them this recognition. Congratulations, Dana! 

Fateme Rezagholizade 

Q-ACS is pleased to announce that Fateme Rezagholizade has been awarded the 2024 ACS Graduate Scholar Recognition Program (GSPRP) Award for Leadership in the Promotion of Research Safety. 🎉  

This award highlights exceptional efforts to promote safety in research environments. Fateme always makes safety a priority, handling lab accidents professionally and calmly. Fateme patiently guides students through practical exercises, encouraging them to practice skills until they feel confident and comfortable. Fateme’s awareness of occupational health/safety hazards and efforts to assess and prevent accidents merit her this recognition. Congratulations, Fateme!