Award Winning Researchers

Faculty of Arts Research Excellence Awards

The Arts Research Awards recognize outstanding contributions to research & creative work by faculty members in the Faculty of Arts. One award is given at each rank.

2026:
  • Full Professor - Michael Frishkopf (Music)   
  • Associate Professor - Marilene Oliver (Art + Design)
  • Assistant Professor - Pan Liu (Psychology)
2025:
  • Full Professor - Christopher Lupke (East Asian Studies)   
  • Associate Professor - Shannon Stunden Bower (History, Classics, and Religion)
  • Assistant Professor - Dana Hayward (Psychology)
2024:
  • Full Professor - Sandra Bucerius (Sociology)   
  • Associate Professor - Michelle Maroto (Sociology)
  • Assistant Professor - Kyle Nash (Psychology)
2023:
  • Full Professor - Kisha Supernant (Anthropology)
  • Associate Professor - Xiaoting Li (East Asian Studies)
  • Assistant Professor - Marta-Marika Urbanik (Sociology)
2022:
  • Full Professor - Dominique Clément (Sociology)
  • Associate Professor - Temitope Oriola (Sociology)
  • Assistant Professor - Lana Whiskeyjack (Women's and Gender Studies)


McCalla Professor

The McCalla Professorships, named after the first Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Arthur Gilbert McCalla, provide faculty members with an opportunity to explore and implement strategies integrating their research and teaching. Recipients are outstanding academics who have made significant contributions to their field of research, teaching and learning.
  • 2026 - Daniel Fried (East Asian Studies)
  • 2024 - Ben Dyson (Psychology)
  • 2020 - David Kahane (Political Science)
  • 2019 - Lin Snelling (Drama)
  • 2018 - Jana Grekul (Sociology)
  • 2017 - Michael O'Driscoll (English and Film Studies)
  • 2016 - Wendy Hoglund (Psychology)
  • 2015 - Catherine Kellogg (Political Science)
  • 2014 - Yasmeen Abu-Laban (Political Science)
  • 2013 - Margriet Haagsma (History and Classics)
  • 2012 - Nora Stovel (English and Film Studies)


Killam Annual Professorships

This annual award is granted to faculty members based on the quality of their scholarly activities such as teaching, research, publications, creative activities, presented papers, and supervision of graduate students.

  • 2024 - Dominique Clément (Sociology)
  • 2020 - Amy Kaler (Sociology)
  • 2019 - Phil Okeke-Ihejirika (Women's and Gender Studies)
  • 2019 - Lisa Strohschein (Sociology)
  • 2018 - David Beck (Linguistics)
  • 2017 - Julie Rak (English and Film Studies)
  • 2016 - Lianne McTavish (Art & Design)
  • 2015 - John Considine (English and Film Studies)
  • 2014 - Kevin Haggerty (Sociology)
  • 2013 - Yasmeen Abu-Laban (Political Science)
  • 2013 - Imre Szeman (English and Film Studies)


Killam Prize

  • 2020 - Sarah Carter (History and Classics)


Killam Research Fellowships

This fellowship, awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts, supports outstanding scholars in the areas of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering and interdisciplinary studies.

  • 2014 - Kevin Haggerty (Sociology)
  • 2004 - Sarah Carter (History and Classics)
  • 1999 - Beverly Lemire (History and Classics)
  • 1990 - Gary Kelly (English and Film Studies)
  • 1987 - Juliet McMaster (English and Film Studies)
  • 1982 - Roger Shiner (Philosophy)


J. Gordin Kaplan Award

This annual award recognizes research excellence in the general area of humanities, social sciences, law, education, and fine arts, and excellence in the sciences or engineering.

  • 2025 - Crystal Gail Fraser (History, Classics & Religion and the Faculty of Native Studies)
  • 2024 - Temitope Oriola (Sociology)
  • 2023 - Julie Rak (English and Film Studies)
  • 2019 - Kathrin Koslicki (Philosophy)
  • 2017 - John Considine (English and Film Studies)
  • 2016 - Mark Nuttall (Anthropology)
  • 2015 - Imre Szeman (English and Film Studies)
  • 2014 - Sarah Carter (History and Classics)
  • 2012 - Beverly Lemire (History and Classics)
  • 2011 - John-Paul Himka (History and Classics)


Martha Cook Piper Research Prize

This annual award recognizes faculty members at an early stage in their careers who have developed strong reputations for original research and who show outstanding promise as researchers in the Social Sciences, Humanities, Fine Arts, Law and Education.

  • 2024 - David Brown (Economics)
  • 2022 - Yao Zheng (Psychology)
  • 2021 - Xiaoting Li (East Asian Studies)
  • 2018 - Kisha Supernant (Anthropology)
  • 2016 - Sandra Bucerius (Sociology)
  • 2013 - Keavy Martin (English and Film Studies)
  • 2012 - Robert Losey (Anthropology)
  • 2011 - Ingo Brigandt (Philosophy)
  • 2008 - Kevin Haggerty (Sociology)


Killam Accelerator Award 

  • 2020 - Rob McMahon (Political Science)

 

University Cup

  • 2026 - Lise Gotell (Women's and Gender Studies)
  • 2017 - Janine Brodie (Political Science)
  • 2015 - Harvey Krahn (Sociology)
  • 2011 - Liz Ingram (Art & Design)
  • 2008 - David Marples (History and Classics)
  • 2005 - Patricia Demers (English and Film Studies)

 

Vargo Teaching Chair

Vargo Teaching Chairs at the University of Alberta have been created to foster excellence in teaching at the University. This program is committed to supporting individuals who have a history of educational leadership, teaching innovation, and who are committed to enhancing the learning experience of students at all levels.

  • 2026 - Michelle Meagher (Women's and Gender Studies)