Past Awards Recipients
EECOM’s Awards of Excellence in Environmental Education and Communication recognize contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations engaged in environmental learning across Canada.
We recognize individuals and organizations that have collectively influenced hundreds of thousands of Canadian citizens and helped implement one of EECOM’s key goals – to advance environmental learning, ensuring Canadians are environmentally literate, engaging in environmental stewardship, and contributing to a healthy and sustainable future.
EECOM welcomes nominees working in a wide range of fields, including those that support Indigenous Peoples, histories, and cultures in their approach to environmental education and communication (e.g., honouring the spirit of learning, a sense of place, relational understanding, reciprocity, collaboration, and language).
2022-2023
Hall of Fame
Dr. Ronald O'Dor for his immeasurable impact on global marine research, inspiring future generations of researchers.
Youth Award
Bram St. Peters, Citadel High School, Halifax, NS
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Erin Johnson, Professor, Herzberg-Becke Chair, Dalhousie University
Science Champion
Dr. Pemberton Cyrus, Head, Department of Industrial Engineering and President of Imhotep's Legacy Academy, Dalhousie University
Innovation
ABK Biomedical Inc., Dr. Robert Abraham, Dr. Daniel Boyd & Dr. Sharon Kehoe, Co-founders
Emerging Professional
Dr. Noreen Kamal, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University
Public Impact Award
Dr. Steven Beyea, Innovation Strategy Advisor & Research Scientist, IWK Health Centre
2021
Hall of Fame
Dr. Noni MacDonald for her extensive work in vaccines, including safety, hesitancy, demand, pain mitigation, education and policy.
https://youtu.be/bAlXv0MWdUs
Youth Award
Silas Eastwood (Revolution Evolution: CubeSat Satellites) Citadel High School, Halifax, NS
https://youtu.be/1xJgJ6-tMWY
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice President of Research, Innovation and Discovery and Chief Nurse Executive at Nova Scotia Health
https://youtu.be/K5yDEblmtRI
Science Champion
Dr. Lisa Barrett, Assistant Professor of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Dalhousie University
https://youtu.be/67-zZwN6Qes
Innovation
Maskwiomin, Cape Breton
https://youtu.be/8Hw2JjfCnyI
Emerging Professional
Dr. Rita Orji, Canada Research Chair and an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University
https://youtu.be/LDK7h6yle00
2020
Hall of Fame
Dr. Sandra Barr for her authoritative work on the geological evolution of the northern Appalachian Mountain belt of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
https://youtu.be/ee_t7d_Dguk
Youth Award
Michelle Song (The Use of Yeast to Prevent Fungal Diseases in Horticultural Produce) Horton High School, Wolfville, NS
https://youtu.be/7xr8cXCudvE
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Linda Campbell, Professor and Senior Research Fellow in Environmental Science at Saint Mary’s University
https://youtu.be/KGWceHdI8sY
Science Champion
Chantelle Cormier, M.A., Senior Biology Lab Instructor, Cape Breton University, and Chair of Biology Department
https://youtu.be/dJs8wrTLeWU
Innovation
Mackenzie Healthcare Technologies, Musquodoboit Harbour
https://youtu.be/-SNr9eTa-Bs
Emerging Professional
Dr. Mita Dasog, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie
https://youtu.be/fQE1chNxjFA
2019
Hall of Fame
Dr. Sultan Darvesh as a multidisciplinary clinician-scientist, Professor of Neurology and Medical Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, and Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation Irene MacDonald Sobey Chair in Curative Approaches to Alzheimer’s disease.
https://youtu.be/5HWSKWS_z4Y
Alexander Howard (A.H.) Mackay (post-humously) for his work as a distinguished educator, scientist, and humanist, serving as Nova Scotia’s superintendent of education for 36 years.
https://youtu.be/H3skjvPpuMg
Youth Award
Om Agarwal (DetectTimely, an open source, standardized, and comprehensive breast cancer analytics)
https://youtu.be/PHm8VXKffeI
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Graham Gagnon, Professor of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie University and NSERC / Halifax Water Industrial Research Chair, Centre for Water Resource Studies
https://youtu.be/FfS1aTGA9K8
Science Champion
Dr. Christine Chambers, Clinical psychologist, Killam Professor, Dalhousie University, and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Children’s Pain
https://youtu.be/6agWSWWCXpY
Innovation
Novonix, Halifax
https://youtu.be/zyca26kec7E
Emerging Professional
Dr. Barret Kurylyk, Assistant Professor of Civil and Resource Engineering, Dalhousie
https://youtu.be/nkP10r59fe4
2018
Hall of Fame
Dr. Gerhard Stroink acknowledged for his exceptional contributions to the Discovery Centre and the local science community, as well as the international impact of his research in physics and biomedical engineering.
https://youtu.be/KXS8CFWsAMc
Dr. William David (Dave) Jamieson (post-humously) for his influential career with the National Research Council and his exemplary 35 years of scientific service to the Canadian public.
https://youtu.be/f8KdBjpPb7A
Youth Award
Eli Wood (Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve Through Targeted Temperature Therapy 2.0) Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, Yarmouth, NS
https://youtu.be/7CHFrifAc1s
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Patrick McGrath, Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University and Scientist, IWK Health Centre
https://youtu.be/I642cuKAyEM
Science Champion
Dr. Kevin Hewitt, Professor, Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science and Chair of Senate, Dalhousie University
https://youtu.be/JCcDl2utiWI
Innovation
DMF Medical Inc., Halifax
https://youtu.be/LeBEegumaV8
Emerging Professional
Dr. Erin Bertrand, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University
https://youtu.be/swCzFQIyC3E
2017
Hall of Fame
Dr. Peter Allen, recognized for his contributions to the solar energy research and development community.
https://youtu.be/phYSVdZO3eE
Dr. William Howard Feindel, (post-humously) recognized for his outstanding contributions to neurosurgical research and development of medical diagnostic equipment.
Youth Award
Janani Venkat (Antibacterial Effects of Microemulsified Oils & Chitosan Nanoparticles) Bedford Academy, Bedford, NS
https://youtu.be/7jATjCfaIzo
Anisha Rajaselvan (The Answer to Cancer: Killing Breast Cancer Cells with Triptolide), Sacred Heart School of Halifax, NS
https://youtu.be/qR2JBKdTZbs
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Jason Clyburne, Professor of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Environmental Studies and Materials
https://youtu.be/ttMoGHecOe4
Science Champion
Dr. Matthew Lukeman, Chemistry Professor, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
https://youtu.be/R2F2KwMvWpM
Innovation
Densitas Inc., Halifax
https://youtu.be/78mEP-LGwN8
Emerging Professional
Dr. Ghada Koleilat, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/NqZE78g4yNI
2016
Hall of Fame
Dr. Jeff Dahn, Recognized as one of the pioneering developers of the lithium-ion battery that is now used worldwide in laptop computers and cell-phones
https://youtu.be/uzVMCqU-DO0
Henry Marshall Tory (post-humously) For his leadership in establishing world-renowned Universities and research labs across Canada
https://youtu.be/66WS5Aw8FOA
Youth Award
Sophie Fraser (Common Sensors: Impact Sensors for Helmets), King’s-Edgehill School, Annapolis Valley, Windsor
https://youtu.be/Ek0IKQQGYLY
Professional of Distinction
Dr. James Robar, Director, Dalhousie Medical Physics, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/ZhtGllsSBZo
Science Champion
Dr. Boris Worm, Marine Research Ecologist and Associate Professor, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/GSxztxPMlgw
Innovation
Natural Ocean Products, Halifax
https://youtu.be/x7EFaHsPwOE
Emerging Professional
Dr. Alec Falkenham, Candidate, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/h1W5fuINXCU
2015
Hall of Fame
Dr. Axel Becke, a physical chemist, is one of the most referenced researchers in the world (over 100,000 citations). He is credited with accurately modelling the motion of electrons in atoms, molecules, and solids.
https://youtu.be/0WWB9YNvBLA
George C. Baker, (post-humously), an early champion of tidal power and instrumental in the creation of the Fundy Environmental Science Committee which oversaw the first study of the Bay of Fundy.
https://youtu.be/0cIGx7BKNtU
Youth Award
Maria Duynisveld (Eggs-amining the Connection Between Foraging Behaviour and Egg Characteristics), Pugwash District High School, Pugwash
https://youtu.be/E5OW5v7GKa4
Rachel Brouwer (Can We Improve the Quality of Water in Developing and Third World Countries?), Bedford Academy, Bedford
https://youtu.be/wMESnTF7_yI
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Orlando Hung, MD, Professor, Dept of Anesthesia Surgery and Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/V_-Y20tQFvE
Science Champion
Dr. Rob Thacker, Professor & Canada Research Chair in Computational Physics, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/52IyLkOyK08
Innovation
Decell Technologies, Halifax
https://youtu.be/7Y1ag3HAEF0
Emerging Professional
Dr. Nick Nickerson, Chief Scientist, Eosense, Dartmouth
https://youtu.be/gPahAVp171Q
2014
Hall of Fame
Dr. Leo Vining, (post-humously), recognized worldwide as one of the greatest chemical biologists in the field of natural production of antibiotics, member of Canadian Society of Microbiology, and Professor Emeritus of Dalhousie University.
https://youtu.be/olj5PrVs9uM
Dr. Charlotte Keen, internationally-renowned marine geophysicist and a research scientist at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.
https://youtu.be/g0w3WRqhI5Y
Youth Award
Robert MacDonald (Tornado Outbreaks: Finding Mechanical and Thermodynamic Relationships), J.L. Ilsley High School, Halifax
https://youtu.be/hQ1zT1oPURI
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Sherry Stewart, Professor, Dept.’s of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/WHNw-UOLqCU
Science Champion
Dr. Jeff Hutchings, Professor of Biology, and Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Chair in Fish, Fisheries, and Oceans at Dalhousie University
Innovation
Carbon Cure Technologies Inc., Halifax
Emerging Professional
Dr. Robin Urquhart, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax
2013
Hall of Fame
Dr. George Geoffrey Meyerhof, (post-humously), served as the Dean of Faculty of Engineering at the Nova Scotia Technical College (later TUNS, now Dalhousie), Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the F.H. Sexton Award.
https://youtu.be/-jlaEPNyIdg
Dr. Thomas John (Jock) Murray, internationally known neurologist, founder and director of the Dalhousie Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit in Halifax.
https://youtu.be/pDHFGzYWco8
Youth Award
Harishitaa Prithiviraj (Divided We Fade, United We Cure!!!), Bible Hill Junior High School, Bible Hill
https://youtu.be/YX0XQ4X-l6A
Professional of Distinction
Noni MacDonald, MD, & Michael Graven, MD, Professors, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University as well as in the IWK Health Centre, Halifax
https://youtu.be/wVrYVeMYm00
Science Champion
Richard Zurawski, M.A, part time lecturer at Mount Saint Vincent University, author, and meteorologist and radio personality, Halifax
https://youtu.be/4TJskzCvXl4
Innovation
SENSElab, Halifax
https://youtu.be/x1EMbjaA5kA
Emerging Professional
Dr. Christa Brosseau, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/Qo-VADxcgAg
2012
Hall of Fame
Dr. Donald Hebb (post-humously), described as the father of neuropsychology, he was president of both the Canadian and American Psychological Associations and awarded eight honourary degrees.
https://youtu.be/CNnT-ikZICo
Dr. W. Ford Doolittle, is Professor Emeritus (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), Dalhousie University.
https://youtu.be/X_pAZmMqsII
Youth Award
Brandon Fillmore (Lateral Balance System), Bible Hill Junior High
https://youtu.be/W3_AZ3eNzVs
Megan Smith and Charlotte Donaldson (Spinal Board), Hants East Rural High School
https://youtu.be/W3_AZ3eNzVs
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Kenneth Lee, Executive Director, Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas, and Energy Research, Halifax
https://youtu.be/nJx_-trx9mo
Science Champion
Dr. Daniel Silver, Dean, Department of Computer Science, Acadia University, Wolfville
https://youtu.be/D6JDaB5xWug
Innovation
Elekta Atlantic, Halifax
https://youtu.be/x8AxBfrNh0o
Emerging Professional
Dr. Jill Chorney, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre & Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/K6Em-HvCuLg
2011
Hall of Fame
Dr. Donald Hebb (post-humously), described as the father of neuropsychology, he was president of both the Canadian and American Psychological Associations and awarded eight honourary degrees.
https://youtu.be/CNnT-ikZICo
Dr. W. Ford Doolittle, is Professor Emeritus (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), Dalhousie University.
https://youtu.be/X_pAZmMqsII
Youth Award
Brandon Fillmore (Lateral Balance System), Bible Hill Junior High
https://youtu.be/W3_AZ3eNzVs
Megan Smith and Charlotte Donaldson (Spinal Board), Hants East Rural High School
https://youtu.be/W3_AZ3eNzVs
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Kenneth Lee, Executive Director, Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas, and Energy Research, Halifax
https://youtu.be/nJx_-trx9mo
Science Champion
Dr. Daniel Silver, Dean, Department of Computer Science, Acadia University, Wolfville
https://youtu.be/D6JDaB5xWug
Innovation
Elekta Atlantic, Halifax
https://youtu.be/x8AxBfrNh0o
Emerging Professional
Dr. Jill Chorney, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre & Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/K6Em-HvCuLg
2010
Hall of Fame
Dr. Enid Johnson (post-humously), the first anesthetist to administer a muscle relaxant (curare) during surgery.
https://youtu.be/B9Plhj_2ax4
Dr. Arthur McDonald performing groundbreaking research in neutrinos, Queens University
https://youtu.be/M9y9QqnpBQU
Youth Award
Chantal Surette (L’Appareil Orque), l’Ecole Secondaire de Clare, Meteghan
https://youtu.be/m1k1x13u5cA
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Patrick Lee, Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/YwWy7OXzfYw
Science Champion
Dr. Martha Jones, Chair of the Department of Biology, Cape Breton University, Sydney
https://youtu.be/wvqMOC_1SaE
Innovation
Resolution Optics, Halifax
https://youtu.be/hQxto1HvZJA
Emerging Professional
Dr. Christopher Barden, Chief Operating Officer, DeNovaMed, Halifax
https://youtu.be/0MwwHCo4wyY
2009
Hall of Fame
Oswald Avery (post-humously), key scientist in molecular biology whose contributions include DNA and its role in genetics.
Dr. Brian Hall, Professor Emeritus (Biology), Dalhousie University
https://youtu.be/Y9U-Pke35IU
Youth Award
Todd Mercer (The Mow Pod), Cape Breton University & Riverview High School, Sydney
https://youtu.be/ou3gxBGonRc
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Susan Bryson, Professor of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, and Chair of the IWK Autism Research Centre, Halifax
https://youtu.be/46Gx4fYvJ1Q
Science Champion
Dr. Truis Smith-Palmer, Chemist and Professor, Department of Chemistry,
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish
https://youtu.be/d12crNhfjWQ
Innovation
Origin BioMed, Halifax
https://youtu.be/M6U2WWV4Q2A
Emerging Professional
Dr. Marie-Claude Gregoire, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, and Staff Physician of the IWK Pediatric Palliative Care Service, Halifax
https://youtu.be/DswL4SayEJU
2008
Hall of Fame
Donald Crowdis, served as the Nova Scotia Museum as Curator and Director, one of the first popular hosts of CBC The Nature of Things, a fellow of the Canadian Museum Association and the Royal Arts Society.
https://youtu.be/H50cinM0Nl4
Simon Newcomb (post-humously), graduate of Harvard, Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy, US Naval Observatory, Washington and the John Hopkins University, Washington.
https://youtu.be/aO_TvP_9I1o
Youth Award
Todd Mercer & Mike MacIsaac (The Amazing Alter Leg), Riverview High School, Sydney
https://youtu.be/_IrUo0tuDBo
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Jeffery Dahn, Professor of Physics and Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/QXMcQwNqC4c
Science Champion
Dr. Adam J. Sarty, Professor, Department of Physics, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/ko8pyIViMX8
Innovation
Atlantic Fibre Technology, Halifax
https://youtu.be/71SdpZfrhHg
Emerging Professional
Dr. Ryan C.N. Darcy, Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and an Adjunct Professor at the Neuroscience Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/nGW_370dR70
2007
Hall of Fame
Frederick Sexton (post-humously), CBE, Director of the Technical Education of Nova Scotia and Principal of the Nova Scotia Technical College, Halifax
https://youtu.be/PxzwWaY7P0I
Dr. Robert Ackman, O.C., retired, Canadian Institute of Fisheries Technology and Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/C9yaZxzG24Q
Dr. Ransom Myers (post-humously), Professor of Mathematics and Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax
Youth Award
Oliver Hatheway and Darren Rodenhizer, (The Economizer Engine), Park View Education Centre, Halifax
https://youtu.be/0Sqz2m3Ognw
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Micheal Quilliam, Principal Research Officer, NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences, Halifax
https://youtu.be/Gbx3umDVxKo
Science Champion
David J. Lane, Astronomy Technician and High Performance Computing System
Administrator, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/K62AvP1TkYU
Innovation
ImmunoVaccine Technologies, Halifax
https://youtu.be/p5WZixnxU5E
Emerging Professional
Dr. Christine Chambers, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology, Dalhousie Universit and the Dept. of Pediatrics at the IWK Health Centre, Halifax
https://youtu.be/Z5XPtdcaPN0
2006
Hall of Fame
Dr. Nancy Lane, D.Phi., Sc.D., LLD (Hon), D.Sc.(Hon),F.I.Biol.,OBE, Cell Biologist and Senior Research Associate, Zoology Department of Cambridge University, England
https://youtu.be/NY3W7WyV3t4
Alexander Graham Bell (post-humously), PhD (Hon), Legion of Honour, Baddeck, NS.
https://youtu.be/DzcaIe_yT9k
Youth Award
Abeer Hasan, (The Biodegradable Cup), Bedford South School, Halifax
https://youtu.be/cd0FfZga4LM
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Donald Weaver, MD., Ph.D., FRCPC, Canada Research Chair, Professor of Medicine and Chemistry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/CxRVGcVXvVk
Science Champion
Dr. Gerhard Stroink, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/o6Rj-TU639Q
Innovation
Enerscan Engineering, Halifax
https://youtu.be/RJG_zbQg0rs
Emerging Professional
Dr. David Risk, Ph.D., Professor, Environmental Sciences Research Centre, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish
https://youtu.be/vQFkUlwRxFU
2005
Hall of Fame
Dr. Erwin Zodrow, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Geology, Cape Breton University, Sydney
https://youtu.be/xyWfSOu7t9A
Dr. Charles Huggins (post-humously), Nobel Prize Winner, Chancellor Acadia University, Wolfville
https://youtu.be/NaSxFdTIAco
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Jock Murray, O.C., M.D., Dean of Dalhousie Medical School, Director of Dalhousie Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit, Chief of Medicine at Camp Hill Hospital, Head of the Neurology at Camp Hill Hospital and Royal College Program Director, Halifax
https://youtu.be/Nkyoo0at7v0
Science Champion
Dr. Robert Fournier, Professor, Oceanography, Dalhousie, Guest Scientist on CBC Information Morning, Halifax
https://youtu.be/6cL69Y46TA4
Innovation
Advanced Glazings, Sydney
https://youtu.be/8_FQd5RCSpg
Emerging Professional
Dr. Jason Gu, Ph.D., Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/e-LhvZoK_pQ
2003
Hall of Fame
Willard Boyle, Nobel Prize winner, Physicist, retired Executive Director of Research, Communications Sciences Division, Bell Labs and co-inventor of the Charge Coupled Device, Halifax
https://youtu.be/lCYv6Qd9-YY
Abraham Gesner (post-humously), physician, geologist, chemist, inventor, professor & author
Dr. Mary Anne White, Killam Professor, Materials Science and Chemistry and Physics, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/SP_iB7sV3LI
Professional of Distinction
Dr. Ivar Mendez, Professor of Surgery (Division of Neurosurgery, Dalhousie), Chair of the Brain Repair Centre, Director of Research of the Dept. of Surgery, Director of the Neural Transplantation Laboratory, Halifax
https://youtu.be/5ibBGJ7Sh7c
Science Champion
Dr. Richard Wassersug, Professor in the Dept. of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/48GvGGsIPeM
Innovation
MedMira Laboratories Inc., Halifax
https://youtu.be/Yk5KWy68p0M
Emerging Professional
Nicole Collison, Defence Scientist, Defence R&D Canada-Atlantic, Halifax
https://youtu.be/1epZeqgU_WY
2002
Dr. Richard Goldbloom, O.C., M.D., C.M., F.R.C.P.C, Professor of Pediatrics (Emeritus), Dalhousie University & the IWK Health centre
https://youtu.be/h0ZpqK9KuRw
Dr. Kelvin Ogilvie, C.M., PhD., D.Sc., F.C.I.C., Past President & Vice Chancellor, Acadia University
https://youtu.be/RyGpC-_ZVSY
Elinor Nicoll, MEd., retired teacher, Halifax Regional School Board
https://youtu.be/f-UeS5tMMjc
Professional of Distinction
Dr. W. Ford Doolittle, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/EpSvSxtVAwk
Science Champion
Dr. Graham Daborn, Professor of Biology and Director of Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University, Wolfville.
https://youtu.be/DmbWAeCMDMM
Emerging Professional
Doug MacLaren, PhD Student, Dept. of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax
https://youtu.be/tqTOrDxa-YM