Hundreds of students, faculty and staff gathered at the 21st annual Mapping New Knowledges Research Conference on April 8 to celebrate graduate research at Brock.Brock graduate student research took centre stage at the University’s 21st annual Mapping New Knowledges (MNK) Research Conference.
The April 8 event brought together students, faculty and staff to recognize the crucial role grad students play in advancing research and addressing complex challenges across various disciplines, both within the Brock community and beyond.
“MNK continues to be a highlight of the academic year, showcasing the incredible graduate research at Brock. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all of the research, as well as the collaboration, mentorship and leadership that strengthen our graduate community,” says Suzanne Curtin, Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA).
The day opened with the 2026 FGSPA awards ceremony, which recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to graduate studies at Brock, before students shared their research through presentations, poster sessions and discussions designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.
A highlight of this year’s event was a fireside chat with Toby Mündel, Professor in Kinesiology and Canada Research Chair in Extreme Human Environments (Tier 1). The discussion explored the evolving purpose of graduate research and how students can think beyond traditional academic pathways.
New this year was an alumni mixer featuring Brock alumna Sana Pabani (MBA ’21), a marketing and brand strategist and founder of CSSquare. In a session titled Branding Your Research: How to Position Your Work for Opportunities and Influence, Pabani drew on her experience working with organizations and Fortune 500 brands to offer practical advice on communicating research with clarity, confidence and impact.
“Closing the conference with this event highlighted the importance of alumni engagement, not only in supporting graduate student success, but in fostering meaningful connections with students as they begin their journey toward becoming engaged alumni themselves,” says Director of Alumni Relations Kim Post. “The opportunity to connect with alumni and hear first-hand perspectives, particularly on how to effectively brand and communicate research, provided students with insights they can carry forward into their academic and professional careers.”
FGSPA award recipients
Marilyn Rose Graduate Leadership Award:
- Amelie Marais (BSc ’23, MSc ’25), PhD in Applied Health Sciences
Suzanne Curtin – Christopher Yendt Graduate Collaboration Award:
- Oya Pakkal (MA ’23), PhD in Psychology
Michael Plyley Graduate Mentorship Award:
- Professor of Psychology Cheryl McCormick
Jack M. Miller Excellence in Research Awards:
- Serena D’Angelo (BA ’24), Master of Arts in Applied Disability Studies
- Lucie Mackintosh (BA ’24), Master of Arts in Classics
- Emily Krushelnycky (BEd ’22, MEd ’26), PhD in Educational Studies
- Julia Spafford (BSc ’25), Master of Science in Applied Health Sciences
- Muhammad Sulman (MSc ’26), PhD in Biotechnology
- Mahsa Jafaie Menarbazari, Master of Science in Management
- Andrew McKiel (MSc ’22), PhD in Applied Health Sciences
- Melanie Stauder, PhD in Biological Sciences
- Daryl Niko Cempron, PhD in Child and Youth Studies
- Catherine Susin (BA ’2017, BEd ’2017, MEd ’2018) PhD in Educational Studies
- Zixuan Liao, PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities+
