Beyond the call, student researchers buttress local communities
While the work of the Swallowing Lab is focused on making inroads in dysphagia research and clinical practice, several members of the team also make time to prioritize giving back to their local communities. In recent months, two research students working in the Swallowing Lab have been commended for their beyond the call, extra-curricular contributions to sustain and support fellow students and colleagues.
This year’s spring convocation saw 4th year PhD student Stephanie Shaw recognized for her leadership within the University of Toronto with a Gordon Cressy Award. Established in 1994 and named after the former vice-president of development and university relations, the Cressy Awards aim to identify and acknowledge students who have made outstanding extra-curricular contributions to the University of Toronto. Stephanie was recognized for her work as co-chair of the International Students’ Caucus, a body that addresses the interests and concerns of the university’s international graduate student community. Among other achievements, during her three years with the group Stephanie was able to realize a tenfold increase in international student participation. Stephanie and her fellow 2016 Cressy Award recipients are in good company, joining a community of more than 3,400 graduates who have received the prize since it’s inauguration in 1994.
Not to be outdone, in May second-year PhD candidate Elissa Greco was presented with an 
Evelyn Hall Education Award. Established in 1991 this award, marking the retirement of the former Chief Operating Officer of the Toronto Hospital, aims to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals within the University Health Network. Nominated by her colleagues at the Toronto Western Hospital, Elissa received the award for her deliberate efforts to harmonize the clinical work of the SLP team at the Western Hospital, with the research activity of the Martino Swallowing Lab.
Congratulations Stephanie and Elissa!