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Dr. Erin Williams’ thesis, , investigates syncope (fainting) prevention and management across the lifespan. Her interdisciplinary research centers on counterpressure maneuvers as a behavioral intervention to stop an impending faint, with a particular focus on children and young people experiencing recurrent syncope, for whom treatment options remain limited and there is a need for drug-free management strategies.

Her work bridged mechanistic laboratory investigation, clinical approaches to syncope diagnosis and management, real-world pediatric syncope presentation, and the effectiveness of counterpressure maneuvers in daily life. Together, Williams’ research provided a comprehensive evidence base for viable treatment options to help children participate fully in daily activities, school, and play, with the goal of improving their overall quality of life.

After completing her dissertation, which included five experimental chapters, Williams passed her thesis defence without corrections – a rare feat not only in the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (BPK), but also within the discipline as a whole.

In addition to having five first-authored peer-reviewed publications directly related to her thesis under her belt, Williams has presented her work at several conferences, produced lay articles, infographics, interviews, and videos for research users. She also served within the American Autonomic Society as both Trainee Committee Chair and trainee representative on their Board of Directors, alongside many leadership roles in graduate student initiatives and committees across 911�Թ�. In recognition of her outstanding commitment to community engagement, Williams is a recipient of the Bastion of BPK Convocation Award for Excellence.

Dr. Victoria Claydon, Williams’ academic supervisor, highlighted several additional qualities that make her an exceptional researcher.

Says Claydon, “[Williams] generates ideas that are timely, feasible and fundable, and is committed to the incorporation of a patient-orientated research program with integrated knowledge translation that ensures her research is important and impactful to her knowledge user communities. She is a consummate professional, inspiring teacher, and committed mentor. She works diligently, independently, and creatively, innovatively solving problems as they arise with tenacity, perseverance and a keen interest in discovery.”

Williams shares her gratitude for the support she received during her time at 911�Թ�.

Says Williams, “It is an immense honour to receive the Dean’s Convocation Medal, and I am deeply grateful to the family I have in the Department of BPK. Beginning here as an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to grow within this department and I developed a deep passion for human physiology and scientific discovery; none of this would have been possible without the support of a faculty whose scientific expertise was matched by their commitment to student growth.”

“I would especially like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Victoria Claydon, whose rigorous approach to research has shaped not only my training, but also the way I think, question, and engage with science. Her mentorship has broadened how I view the translation of physiological understanding into clinical practice. Effective treatment requires more than mechanistic insight alone and must be grounded in the realities of patients’ lives and experiences. In my next steps as a scientist, I am eager to continue pursuing work that is guided by patient-oriented care,” continues Williams.

Williams is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s Hospital, co-supervised by Drs. Shubhayan Sanatani and Victoria Claydon. In this role, she coordinates a longitudinal randomized controlled trial in pediatric syncope management, and investigates autonomic conflict and arrhythmia in artistic swimming athletes. Her ongoing work in autonomic physiology and syncope management has contributed to her growing recognition as an emerging research leader in the field.