Top CSAHS Students Receive Medals for their Achievements and Contributions

Each year, the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS) recognizes outstanding students for their academic accomplishments and contributions to the University of Guelph community. CSAHS Medals are awarded to the students who are nominated to win prestigious university-wide convocation awards for their momentous achievements. 

The following students are being recognized for their achievements in 2022: 

Ana da Silva, Psychology Bachelor of Arts Graduate 

Recipient of the J.W. Skinner Medal 

After having been a flight attendant for nearly ten years, Ana yearned to improve people’s lives in a more direct manner, coming to U of G to study psychology and better understand cross-cultural human attitudes and behaviours. In her studies, Ana has shown exceptional academic ability, determination and professionalism, earning her first place in her cohort in CSAHS and the J.W. Skinner Medal. Both on and off campus, Ana pursues her passion for helping those around her by supporting her fellow international students, patients at Homewood Health Centre and underprivileged children with disabilities. 

Danah Elsayed, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition Master’s Graduate

Recipient of the John Vanderkamp Magisteriate Graduate Medal 

Danah is an excellent researcher and committed knowledge mobilizer whose research helps answer questions that are core to Canada’s future as a multi-cultural mosaic, such as what social-psychological factors help visible and less visible minority youth thrive. For Danah’s outstanding academic achievement, motivation, leadership and citizenship she has been awarded the John Vanderkamp Magisteriate Graduate Medal. Outside of the classroom Danah has worked with Syrian refugees to Canada and created spaces for discussion surrounding identity and spirituality within her community. 

Skylar Laursen, Psychology Master’s Graduate

Recipient of the Richard Barham Magisteriate Graduate Medal 

A rising star in her field of research, Skylar has been awarded the Richard Barham Graduate Medal for her stellar academic achievements and impressive scholarly contributions. Skylar’s research in the Guelph memory and Cognition Lab examines factors impacting individual's test performance and learning have resulted in three high-impact publications and 18 conference presentations. Coupled with a strong record of leadership and volunteerism on and off campus through mentoring other students, leading Python workshops and serving as a student representative for BSc programs and the Canadian Society for Brain Behaviour and Cognitive Science, Skylar is known for making meaningful contributions to U of G and her community. 

Gloria Novovic, Political Science and International Development Studies PhD Graduate 

Recipient of the John Vanderkamp Doctoral Graduate Medal 

Combining intelligence with a drive to improve our global community, Gloria has achieved an impressive publication record while contributing to community and global development work, earning her the John Vanderkamp Doctoral Graduate Medal. Her PhD research on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its impact on international solidarity reveals an updated map of global development policy arenas and offers actionable insight on government and civic solutions for rising global threats. Her work also draws on her practical experience in Serbia’s civil society, the United Nations World Food Program, and most recently her role as the policy lead of Cooperation Canada. As a first-generation university student, Gloria invested time and energy in mentoring international development students, eventually establishing an ‘internship corner’ that offers career development support to Guelph students. 

Marieka De Vuono, Psychology and Neuroscience PhD Graduate

Recipient of the Richard Barham Doctoral Graduate Medal 

An exceptional student with a record of academic excellence and service to her peers, Marieka’s innovative PhD research on the aversive effects of cannabinoids has earned her recognition as a world expert on their neurobiology. Marieka is known for going the extra mile, whether she’s assisting students as a TA, contributing to the field of cannabinoid research, or serving as a liaison between graduate students and the university administration as Psychology General Director for the Graduate Students Association. For her academic excellence, Marieka has been awarded the Richard Barham Graduate Medal. 

Congratulations to these five medal winners and to all the CSAHS students who have done fantastic work over the past year.