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The Special Recognition for Staff Awards recognize staff, nominated by their peers, who have gone above and beyond their day-to-day activities to create a lasting positive impact across the Queen’s community. For 2024, two teams and eight individual staff members are being celebrated for their excellent work and accomplishments. Award recipients and their guests are invited to a private reception in May with Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane to celebrate their tremendous achievements.

“These awards celebrate staff members and teams who are doing incredible things,” says Principal Deane. “It is with great pride and appreciation that, on behalf of the university community, I extend our collective congratulations to all this year’s recipients. Your commitment, hard work, and dedication to excellence make a meaningful difference at Queen’s, and we are grateful for your contributions.”

The recipients of the 2024 Special Recognition for Staff Awards are:

Donna Ivimey, Research Coordinator, Community-Engaged Health Promotion lab, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies

With over 35 years of experience at Queen’s, Donna Ivimey has become a vital resource within the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies (SKHS). In her current capacity as Research Coordinator in the Community-Engaged Health Promotion lab, Donna is known for her devotion to enhancing the student experience and advocating for the importance of cross-cultural research and collaboration. She has directly enabled the school to welcome students and visiting researchers from Nigeria, Lebanon, Mexico, and Antigua and Barbuda, as well as from Indigenous nations from across Turtle Island. She has been the administrative pillar for a number of long-term international and Indigenous community-based research partnerships, including a 20-year long research collaboration between the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies and the University of Guadalajara. Her leadership in creating safe spaces for learning and research at Queen’s has been critical to advancing the university’s academic mission and continues to have far-reaching impact across communities.

Geraldine Lyman, Graduate Assistant, Master of Public Health Program, Department of Public Health Sciences

Geraldine (Gerri) Lyman has been an invaluable member of the Department of Public Health Sciences since 2009. As the Graduate Assistant for the Master of Public Health Program, Gerri's dedication and commitment have had a profound impact on both the program’s reputation and the student experience. Gerri consistently goes above and beyond in her role to ensure everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging. So much so that when asked why incoming students chose to pursue their Master of Public Health at Queen’s, many cited that Gerri’s support and kindness during the application process made all the difference. Her work ethic, generosity, and drive for inclusiveness have significantly contributed to the program’s overall growth and success. From organizing thoughtful and welcoming events, to crocheting toques for graduating students, it is clear to see why Gerri’s personalized approach has had a meaningful and long-lasting impact on the Queen’s community.

Karen Burkett, Director, School of English, Faculty of Education

Karen Burkett is recognized by her peers as an instrumental member of the Faculty of Education, known for her commitment to collaboration and community. In the 20 years that she’s worked in the School of English, Karen’s impact has been influential and transformative. She leads her team using a values-based approach, empowering them with the autonomy to fully embrace their roles while fostering trust and collaboration. In addition to the work she leads with her team, Karen has presented university-wide workshops focused on leadership and communication across diverse groups. Currently pursuing her fourth degree from Queen’s, Karen demonstrates her dedication to leadership development in English language education through her PhD. Recently elected to the Languages Canada Board of Directors, Karen continues to advance the field at a national level. Outside her role, Karen serves as an organizing committee member for the Queen’s University Association for Queer Employees (QUAQE) Employee Resource Group (ERG). Her exceptional contributions to the university community are felt by many and make a meaningful difference at Queen’s.

Megan Ariki, Research and Communications Coordinator, C2MCI, Department of Chemistry

Megan Ariki is known for providing exceptional and comprehensive support in her role as Research and Communications Coordinator in the Department of Chemistry. With over 14 years of experience at Queen’s, Megan’s supportive nature and strong work ethic have benefited countless staff, faculty, and students across the university. In her current capacity, Megan champions international research collaboration and has directly assisted over 200 researchers in six different countries. She consistently exemplifies professionalism and creates a positive and lasting impression on all guests and visitors to the university. In her role, Megan has successfully managed multi-million-dollar projects that have enabled significant research discoveries and advancements by students, faculty, and Postdoctoral Fellows. Her unwavering commitment to the student experience has more recently resulted in her being named recipient of the 2023-2024 Michael Condra Outstanding Student Service Award. Megan’s ability to foster connections, improve processes, and provide invaluable support makes her an indispensable asset to the university community.

Ramzi Asfour, Associate Director, Administration, Ingenuity Labs Research Institute at Queen’s University 

Ramzi Asfour is known for his exceptional leadership and vision at Ingenuity Labs. Over the past five years, he has played a critical role in supporting the institute’s overall growth as the Associate Director (Administration). From expanding the Robotics and AI Symposium, to securing a five-year funding partnership with the Bombardier Foundation, Ramzi’s contributions are easy to identify and measure. He is a proven champion of interdisciplinary collaboration through his leadership with initiatives like the Research Opportunity Seed Fund program, which supports short-term, collaborative R&D projects between Ingenuity Lab members and industrial partners, as well as engaging with the Canadian Robotics Council where industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers connect, exchange knowledge, and drive domestic adoption of robotics. Ramzi has also spearheaded a streamlined student onboarding system and a redesigned website, which have set new standards for efficiency and digital presence at the institute. His innovative efforts, leadership, and strategic thinking have ensured long-term sustainability and success for Ingenuity Labs.

Rebecca Carnevale, Executive Director, Academic Operations and Communications, Faculty of Education 

Rebecca Carnevale is an outstanding leader whose dedication, empathy, and innovation have profoundly impacted the Faculty of Education and Queen’s University as a whole. Drawing from her early experience in non-profit organizations, Rebecca brings a hands-on, inclusive leadership style in her role overseeing communications, marketing, advancement, and academic operations for the faculty. She is described as a leader that fosters collaboration, wellbeing, and creativity, while also driving a strong culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (I-EDIAA). Her thoughtful communications, particularly during challenging times, have strengthened both internal cohesion within the Faculty of Education as well as external engagement within the Queen’s community. She continues to champion critical I-EDIAA work and has directly supported the growth of the Indigenous community-based teacher education program. Rebecca’s unwavering commitment, strategic insight, and genuine care have made her a trusted mentor and colleague, and her contributions exemplify the highest standards of service and leadership at Queen’s.

Sandra Vincent, Research Associate, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences 

Sandra Vincent’s career of over four-decades at Queen’s University is a remarkable testament to dedication, mentorship, and innovation in research. As a Research Associate, Sandra has consistently gone above and beyond and has created transformational change as a mentor, educator, and community connector. Her legacy lies not only in her technical excellence across a vast range of research domains, but also in the personal impact she’s had on generations of students, faculty, and community members. Sandra is a gifted teacher and role model, known for her boundless curiosity, selfless support, and drive for lifelong learning - completing her BSc and MSc while working full-time. Her creativity and tenacity have led to groundbreaking innovations in respiratory research, and her outreach work has helped bridge Queen’s with the Kingston community. Sandra’s work ethic, warmth, and enduring commitment to excellence have made her an irreplaceable pillar of the Queen’s research landscape and an inspiration to those who have been fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Sophie Felleiter, Research Development Coordinator, Smith Engineering

Since joining Smith Engineering in 2022, Sophie Felleiter has made an extraordinary impact as a Research Development Coordinator. Over the span of her career at Queen’s, she has supported over 200 research grants and award applications and has helped to secure over $39 million in funding. Sophie’s proactive, innovative approach, combined with her drive for excellence, has made her a critical resource for research development and coordination across Smith Engineering. Outside of grant writing, Sophie has helped to revitalize Chemical Engineering’s communications, developed research websites, and supported interdisciplinary collaborations across Queen’s. She is known by many as a trusted mentor and has helped to drive research excellence further within the department. Sophie was recently recognized as one of Kingston’s 40 under 40 and, in 2023, was a recipient of the Smith Engineering ENG Esteem Collaboration Award. Her work ethic, initiative, and collaborative nature are just a few qualities that colleagues referenced when nominating Sophie. 

Mechanical and Materials Engineering team, Smith Engineering

Mechanical and Materials Engineering team includes technologists Gary Neff (left) and Adam Cordick (right).

Adam and Gary don’t just build equipment for students, they empower them to engage with it and understand it, showcasing their passion for mentorship, innovation, and excellence in engineering education. As resourceful and dedicated technologists, they seek out new skills to support research, course delivery, and student success. They play a key role in enabling hands-on learning and inquiry by building and maintaining durable and safe lab equipment while also stepping up to provide technical support to anyone that needs it, often on short notice. Their contributions extend well beyond their own department, to the Mechatronics and Robotics program, Ingenuity Labs Research Institute, and the Department of Civil Engineering. They embrace challenge and teach themselves specialized techniques, such as fabricating custom sensors and fan arrays or mastering industrial-grade servo systems, to meet needs without relying on external expertise whenever possible. Their impact goes far beyond technical problem-solving; through proactive, solution-oriented approaches, they significantly enhance student learning and create a safe, supportive, and state-of-the-art environment where students can confidently explore advanced engineering concepts.

Office of Professional Development and Educational Scholarship (OPDES), Queen’s Health Sciences

Office of Professional Development and Educational Scholarships (OPDES), clockwise from left: Nicholas Cofie, Emily Robdrup, Sonali Sheth, Kate Kittner, Pavla Zabojnikova, Aby Joy, Natalie McGuire, Valerie Roulston, Jennifer Turnnidge, Lynsee Stephens, Heather Braund, Oluwatoyosi Kuforiji, and Elita Laios.

The OPDES team stands out for its collegiality, innovation, and adaptability, demonstrating exceptional leadership in curriculum development, teaching, and educational research. Their work extends from local to international levels and has enhanced the university’s reputation in health sciences education through the design of major academic programs, interprofessional education that fosters collaboration and ultimately improving patient outcomes, and nationally recognized training like the MAiD curricula. In the past year alone, they have led or collaborated on over 200 research projects, bringing funding, recognition, and efficiency to the university while supporting faculty, student, and staff development in engaging and sustainable ways. The team is regarded as a marvel - diverse, compassionate, and values-driven - thriving through adversity by fostering a positive, inclusive, and creative workplace culture. Challenges such as the pandemic and financial pressures have only strengthened their resolve. Operating within a large, diverse office with interconnected mandates and activities, the team exemplifies efficiency, unity, and excellence, consistently elevating those among and around them.

Advancing Social Impact

The individuals and teams receiving these awards demonstrate collective commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, equity, connection, and community engagement. Their dedication and tangible impact exemplify meaningful progress on many interconnected SDGs:

• Donna Ivimey’s work with Indigenous communities and international partners advances SDGs 3, 4, 16, and 17 by promoting health equity, inclusive education, and participatory governance in research.
• Geraldine Lyman strengthens SDGs 3, 4, and 10 through her compassionate support, inclusive practices, and unwavering commitment to the student experience.
• Karen Burkett champions SDGs 2, 4, 5, 10, and 12 through inclusive English language programming, equity, gender equality, active sustainable practices, and food security initiatives.
• Megan Ariki supports SDGs 3, 4, 7, 12, and 13 by enabling education, wellbeing, and research tied to climate and energy challenges.
• Ramzi Asfour promotes SDGs 4 and 5 through outreach in quality STEM education and gender equity initiatives.
• Rebecca Carnevale strengthens SDGs 3, 4, 10, and 13 by enhancing access to teacher education, supporting wellbeing, reducing inequalities, and fostering climate-focused partnerships.
• Sandra Vincent furthers SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 11 through her mentorship, environmental and sustainable ingenuity, and support for everyone to thrive.
• Sophie Felleiter contributes to SDGs 7, 12, and 13 through her involvement in various research proposals like the Open Plastic Project.
• Technologists Adam Cordick and Gary Neff contribute to SDGs 4, 9, and 12 by enabling innovative, sustainable engineering education and research.
• The OPDES team advances SDGs 3, 4, and 17 by delivering inclusive, evidence-based health education, supporting practitioner wellbeing, and fostering international collaborations and engagement among their team members. 

As a group, the efforts of this year’s recipients of the Special Recognition for Staff Awards indicate deep and meaningful integration of sustainable development principles into much of the exceptional work being done across the university.

“The recipients for this year’s Special Recognition for Staff Awards exemplify the spirit of commitment and collaboration that drives our university forward,” says Lisa Walsh, Associate Vice-Principal, Human Resources. “It’s a privilege to recognize their achievements and celebrate the lasting impact they have across our community.”

Nominations for the 2025 Special Recognition for Staff Awards will open in the Fall. Anyone, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni, can submit nominations. All forms and instructions are available on the .