TORONTO – The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the Henry Mandelbaum Graduate Fellowship is Rebecca Ellis from Western University.
“The Mandelbaum Fellowship recognizes graduate students who combine exceptional scholarship with deep engagement in their communities,” said Rahul Sapra, Vice-President of OCUFA. “Each year, we receive many excellent applications, and this year was no exception. We are pleased to recognize Rebecca Ellis’ commitment to social justice work and academic scholarship with this award.”
As a doctoral candidate at Western University, Rebecca is exploring the relationship between people and urban bees in Toronto and London, Ontario. Given the global decline in insect populations, which have an impact on our food systems and bee migration patterns, her research aims to determine how we can create cities where wild and managed bees live harmoniously with humans.
Rebecca’s passion does not start and end with environmental issues. She is a proven leader in her community committed to sharing knowledge through local media and events, through her blog and podcast, at academic conferences, and through academic journals. She continually strives to make the world a better place for those around her.
The Mandelbaum Fellowship was established to honour Henry Mandelbaum, Executive Director of OCUFA from 1996-2011. The Fellowship is awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated academic excellence, shows exceptional academic promise, and has done significant service for the community during his or her university years.
“Henry was passionate about social justice, and improving the lives of those who faced formidable social and economic barriers,” said Sapra. “Sadly, Henry passed away in 2012, but we are honoured to continue his work through the Mandelbaum Fellowship.”
Rebecca Ellis will receive the award at a ceremony hosted by OCUFA in Toronto on May 25, 2019.
Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 faculty and academic librarians in 29 faculty associations across Ontario. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Ben Lewis, Communications Lead at 416-306-6033 or communications@ocufa.on.ca