18/12/2024
Ottawa, Ontario — Wednesday December 18, 2024
The CHEO Research Institute celebrated a year of research excellence and recognized seven individuals for their accomplishments and contributions at the annual Awards of Excellence held on Dec. 18, 2024.
“Every new discovery is a testament to the exceptional team here at the CHEO Research Institute. Together, our researchers and research support staff shape the future of children’s health care and inspire the best life for children and youth. Today, we recognized seven individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to CHEO research. Congratulations to the 2024 Awards of Excellence winners, and a big thank you to everyone at the CHEO Research Institute for an incredible year.”
Dr. Jason Berman, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, CHEO Research Institute, and Vice-President of Research, CHEO.
The Research Institute 2024 Award Recipients
Outstanding Researcher
Awarded to: Donna Johnston
Dr. Johnston is a Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute and Principal Investigator for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) at CHEO. Through her work, Donna leads her team in research to improve supportive care and quality of life for children and youth with cancer. Although the cure rate for childhood cancer is 85%, the therapies used to treat it have side effects that can be challenging for patients. Dr. Johnston works to improve these side effects by examining ways to measure them and exploring potential therapies that can help.
Dr. Johnston has received nearly $1.5 million total funding as a Principal Investigator, over $8 million as a Co-Investigator, and has contributed to more than 200 peer reviewed journal articles.
Outstanding Research Mentor
Awarded to: Katie O’Hearn
Presented to an individual who provides outstanding research mentorship, inspiring others to success in fulfilling the CHEO Research Institute’s mission.
Outstanding Trainee
Awarded to: Sarah Rogers
Presented to an individual recognized for outstanding achievements in research, high academic performance, leadership qualities and research abilities. This award acknowledges achievements across various levels of trainees, from Undergraduate to Graduate Students to Postdoctoral Fellows.
Outstanding Research Staff
Awarded to: Tyrus Crawford
Presented to a research staff member for their outstanding contribution towards the conduct of research at CHEO. Tyrus embodies the Research Insitute’s core values and plays a key role in the success of our research teams and processes.
Osmond Impact Award
Awarded to: Kathleen Pajer
Presented to an individual who has significantly impacted the growth of the CHEO Research Institute in the past year.
Sandy Boehmer Spirit of the RI Award
Awarded to: Martine St. Jean
Presented to an individual or team who best exemplifies the CHEO Research Insititute’s core values of being curious, nimble, passionate and equitable.
Rhonda Correll Leadership Award
Awarded to: Ivan Terekhov
This award recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership in people, projects, programs, and teams, embodying the values that Rhonda Correll exemplified throughout her time at the Research Institute.