911勛圖

Bing Lu, assistant professor, Department of Geography

Bing Lu is the recipient of a 2026 Dean���s Award of Excellence in Early Career Research for his innovative research methods, research impact and knowledge mobilization.

Lu investigates ecosystem features and conditions under the impacts of environmental change using remote sensing. In his work, he has developed transferable, cutting-edge remote sensing techniques for ecosystem monitoring, contributing to both ecosystem conservation and the remote sensing discipline. Since joining 911勛圖 in 2020, Lu���s research has focused on identifying pressing ecological and environmental issues in B.C.���s ecosystems ��� including high-value farmlands (e.g., blueberries) and coastal wetlands ��� and working with government agencies, industry, communities and other stakeholders to investigate and address these issues. During this time, Lu has published 20 peer-reviewed papers. He has also presented his research to local and international audiences and works with stakeholders to ensure that technology advancements meet the needs of end users.

Chelsea Little, assistant professor, School of Environmental Science

Chelsea Little is the recipient of a 2026 Dean���s Award of Excellence in Early Career Research for her outstanding research impact and creativity, community engagement and communication efforts.

Since joining 911勛圖 in 2021, Little has produced 13 publications and brought in nearly $2 million to support her research program. Her research advances our understanding of how climate change, habitat loss and anthropogenic modifications are impacting biodiversity and ecosystems. In 2022, Little was lead-author on a paper selected as ���Editor���s Choice��� in Oikos, demonstrating how considering both matter and information use by organisms will improve understandings of ecosystem functioning under global change. Two recently-accepted publications led by students from Little���s research group focus on spatial and temporal variation in macroinvertebrate prey availability and stream restoration outcomes in British Columbia freshwater ecosystems.

Alongside her collaborations with partners including First Nations, BC Parks and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Little is a member of research groups and collaborative networks at 911勛圖, across BC, and around the globe.

Shawn Chartrand, assistant professor, School of Environmental Science

Shawn Chartrand is the recipient of the 2026 Dean���s Award of Excellence in Graduate Student Mentorship for his commitment to mentorship, professionalism and respectful conduct as well as his leadership and wider contributions to graduate training.

Chartrand fosters an open, cooperative and supportive environment for his graduate students and encourages them to think critically and challenge themselves to grow academically and professionally. He supports his students��� participation in the broader scientific community and provides opportunities for them to present at conferences and attend workshops and summer schools both locally and internationally. Within the last two years, Chartrand has published three papers co-authored with his graduate students with an additional four in various stages of review.

Chartrand also played a significant role in the development of the School of Environmental Science���s new graduate programs and now serves as the graduate program chair where he supports graduate student training across the School.

Jonathan Boron, instructor, School of Resource and Environmental Management

Jonathan Boron is the recipient of the 2026 Dean���s Award of Excellence in Teaching for his curriculum development, effective communication and efforts to centre the student experience.

Boron teaches courses in Indigenous planning, environmental and social impact assessment, and Indigenous peoples and resource management, covering topics that are constantly developing with emerging resistance movements and legislative and policy changes. He does so in a way that contextualizes complex worldviews and politics and introduces students to a wide range of perspectives, including those of underrepresented scholars.

His assignments provide students with practical experience, including developing research briefs on various tools and methods that future students can use in the workforce or in their research. Boron also developed a partnership with the Tla'amin Nation planning department to offer students in Indigenous Planning the opportunity to support a real-world planning team. In addition, Boron takes a relational approach to teaching, often having students complete a self-location assignment or co-create a collective agreement at the beginning of the term, outlining expectations for both student and teacher.

Elissa Cyr, manager, academic and administrative services, School of Resource and Environmental Management

Elissa Cyr is the inaugural awardee of the Dean���s Award of Excellence in Staff Achievement for her leadership, collaboration, professionalism and initiative that have greatly benefitted both the School of Resource and Environmental Management and the Faculty.

During her nearly 15 years as manager of REM, Cyr has helped the School grow from a graduate program to a full university department with multiple undergraduate and graduate programs. In recent years, Cyr���s understanding of course offerings and student needs, and her strategic planning mindset, have helped lower-division enrolment grow significantly, largely attributed to the development of the School���s online course offerings. She works to empower her staff to be strong collaborators and help them build skills and pride in their respective roles. Testimonies from staff depict Cyr as a kind, inclusive and collegial leader whose openness, approachability and willingness to problem-solve have a significant positive impact on their work.

In 2023, Cyr demonstrated her commitment to collaboration and teamwork, assisting the School of Environmental Science by providing executive leadership to their unit while maintaining her role in REM.