2022 Award for Excellence in Supervision: Chris Kennedy

SFU professor, Dr. Chris Kennedy, joined SFU in 1991 and has coordinated the Biological Science’s Master’s of Environmental Toxicology (MET) since 2007, serving as the primary supervisor for the majority of master’s and doctoral students admitted to the program. Kennedy has a long history with SFU, having completed both his BSc in Biological Sciences and PhD in Environmental Toxicology here; he spent three years with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at University of Miami as a postdoctoral fellow and research associate before returning to SFU as a tenured professor.

Kennedy is both a successful researcher as well as a thoughtful supervisor. Countless master’s and doctoral students praise him for his support, intelligence and outstanding leadership skills. Students and colleagues credit his approachable demeanor, openness to discussing learning from failures as well as an ability to encourage questions in class as key to the academic success of everyone he supervises and teaches.

Additionally, Kennedy supports his graduate students through his work with Animal Care Services. As Director he has provided his students with an appreciation for the use of animals for their studies and projects. His extra efforts enriched the learning experience of students.

Kennedy also provides emotional support to his students, by hosting one-on-one meetings to deliver extra motivation and words of encouragement. MET candidates Anupinder Hura and Isabella Borea explain how Kennedy supports them through their program.

“I was having doubts regarding my preparation and feeling anxious about things that might go awry. We decided to have a Zoom meeting where he reassured me that these jitters are normal and it is all a part of the learning experience,” Hura says. “He has been present whenever I have had any doubts regarding my project.”

“Dr. Kennedy fostered an environment that has provided emotional support,” says Borea. “I have always felt like I had someone to turn to when seeking advice or going through challenges.”

During the COVID lockdown, Kennedy ensured a smooth transition from in-person to remote work and frequently checked in on students to ensure they were mentally and financially stable. In the words of MET Candidate Hannah Jones, “Dr. Kennedy has been very patient with the changes that have come with COVID and has demonstrated his ability to manage many students with different needs.”

Anyone who works with or is supported by Kennedy recognizes his leadership skills as he contributes to their professional growth and development.

“It was Chris’ research into toxicology that first got me interested in his work, but it was his energy, enthusiasm and leadership style that proved so meaningful,” says University of Alberta Biological Sciences Professor, Keith Tierney “even now as a colleague, I still consider Chris to be my mentor.”

We congratulate Dr. Kennedy for his exceptional supervision, helping students navigate through the pandemic and fostering a collegial and professional graduate student experience for his students.

The 2024 Dean of Graduate Studies Awards for Excellence are open for nominations. Deadline for nominations is May 17, 2024.