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Western University has named six faculty members as recipients of the 2026 Western Research Excellence Awards, recognizing research leadership in artificial intelligence, cardiovascular disease, music education, accessibility, nuclear waste management and gender-based violence prevention.
Since 2023, the annual Western Research Excellence Awards have honoured outstanding researchers whose work has significant impact within and beyond academia, and contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Faculty across all career stages are recognized through three categories of awards: Outstanding Emerging Scholar, Outstanding Scholar and the Hellmuth Prize for Achievement in Research.
Meet the 2026 Western Research Excellence Awards recipients
Emerging Scholars
Yalda Mohsenzadeh develops brain-inspired AI systems informed by neuroscience.
Yalda Mohsenzadeh – Faculty of Science, computer science
Yalda Mohsenzadeh investigates how the brain recognizes and remembers visual experiences, and how these insights can improve artificial intelligence (AI). She is a faculty member of the Vector Institute, a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing AI research.
Mohsenzadeh uses brain imaging data, deep learning and cognitive modeling to develop brain-inspired AI systems with enhanced perception and memory. Her work has broad applications, from advancing AI technologies to enabling early detection and intervention for memory-related disorders. She is a strong advocate for equity in science, a dedicated mentor to diverse trainees and an influential educator who makes AI and neuroscience more accessible. She received the 2025 Ontario Early Researcher Award.
Danielle Sirek deepens understanding of teaching and learning in arts education.
Danielle Sirek – Faculty of Education, arts education
Danielle Sirek’s research explores how culture and social factors shape the way music, drama, dance and visual arts are taught and learned. Her research on teacher education in Ontario examines the impact of institutional practices and policies used in higher education and has advanced understanding of curriculum and teaching. Her creative research explores Indigenous/non-Indigenous artistic relationships and how performance and pedagogy influence each other.
Sirek’s research is published in multiple academic journals and has been presented at conferences internationally in a variety of disciplines. In addition to her scholarly work, Sirek sings professionally with the JUNO-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir and is a conductor with Amabile Choirs of London.
Outstanding Scholars
adam patrick bell advances accessibility and inclusion in music education.
adam patrick bell – Don Wright Faculty of Music, music education
Canada Research Chair in Music, Inclusion and Accessibility, adam patrick bell is a celebrated transdisciplinary scholar. His research in music education, disability studies and music technology advances more inclusive practices across educational and artistic contexts.
As director of the Canadian Accessible Musical Instruments Network, bell leads national efforts to connect researchers, educators and disabled artists in initiatives that prioritize the expertise and perspectives of disabled people. His work examines how music education can be reimagined with accessible instrument design and music technologies to foster equitable participation in music. He is the editor of Journal of Music, Technology & Education and serves on the editorial boards of six academic and professional journals.
Jamie Noël develops solutions to prevent corrosion in critical infrastructure.
Jamie Noël – Faculty of Science, chemistry
Since becoming a faculty member at Western in 2016, Jamie Noël has built an internationally respected corrosion research program studying how materials degrade in difficult environments. His research group studies corrosion in automotive parts, additive manufacturing, oil refining and nuclear fuel waste management.
Noël combines chemistry, engineering and advanced measurement techniques to better understand and prevent corrosion. His work helps to improve the safety of nuclear waste storage systems, protect infrastructure and improve manufacturing processes. He has published extensively, secured major research funding and trained many students who now work in industry and government. His scientific achievements and leadership have earned him major national and international awards.
Hellmuth Prizes for Achievement in Research
Marlys Koschinsky transformed understanding of lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease risk.
Marlys Koschinsky – Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, physiology and pharmacology
Marlys Koschinsky is a globally recognized leader in cardiovascular research whose work has transformed the understanding of a key driver of heart disease. She has made foundational discoveries about lipoprotein (a), a particle that carries cholesterol through the bloodstream, increasing risk of heart attack, stroke and blocked vessels. Her research reveals how this particle develops, functions and contributes to disease.
Koschinsky’s contributions have influenced both scientific discovery and clinical practice worldwide. Her research is informing new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, including novel therapies now in advanced clinical trials. A highly accomplished scholar and mentor, she has trained generations of researchers and led major international collaborations.
Nadine Wathen develops evidence-based interventions addressing gender-based violence and health equity.
Nadine Wathen – Faculty of Health Sciences, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing
C. Nadine Wathen is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and former Canada Research Chair in Mobilizing Knowledge of Gender-Based Violence. She develops and tests interventions to support survivors of violence, others groups facing marginalization and their service providers, with an emphasis on moving research findings into policy and practice.
Wathen’s research in gender‑based violence and health equity has been used in the development of Canadian and international policy. As a leader of the EQUIP Healthcare Research & Implementation Program, she developed free implementation and educational tools to support trauma- and violence-informed, equity-oriented care. Wathen has been recognized with local, national and international awards.
Learn more about how Western is turning curiosity into solutions.
