CHEO Research Institute Awards of Excellence 2023

The CHEO Research Institute celebrated a year of research excellence and recognized seven individuals for their accomplishments and contributions at the Awards of Excellence held on Dec. 20, 2023.

“Building a health care system that meets the needs of kids today and in the future requires a strong foundation in research. At the CHEO Research Institute, we have more than 250 researchers, supported by incredible research staff, who are all dedicated to making discoveries that inspire the best life for children and youth. Today, we recognized seven individuals for their impactful accomplishments and contributions to research at CHEO and around the world. Congratulations to the 2023 award winners and thank you to the entire CHEO Research Institute for an incredible year.”

Dr. Jason Berman, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, CHEO Research Institute, and Vice-President of Research, CHEO.

The Research Institute 2023 Award Recipients

Outstanding Investigator

Awarded to: Nicole Obeid
Dr. Obeid is a Scientist and Lead for the Eating Disorder Research Lab at CHEO Research Institute. Her team is conducting research to understand risk factors leading to eating disorders, providing tailored treatments, and finding innovative solutions in the care system. Dr. Obeid received a $2 million THINC Implementation Science Grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Outstanding Research Coordinator

Awarded to: Jenna Yaraskavitch
Presented to a research coordinator for their outstanding contribution to research at CHEO. Jenna embodies the institute’s core values and plays a key role in the success of research projects from inception to publication.

Outstanding Trainee

Awarded to: Valeria Dimitrova
Recognized for her outstanding achievements in research, high academic performance, leadership qualities, and research ability. The award acknowledges achievements across various levels of trainees, from Undergraduate and Graduate Students to Postdoctoral Fellows.

Outstanding Research Mentor

Awarded to: Martine St.Jean
Presented to an individual who provides outstanding research mentorship, inspiring others to succeed in fulfilling the CHEO Research Institute’s mission.

Sandy Boehmer Spirit of the RI (Individual or Team)

Awarded to: Allan Humphrey
This award is given to an individual or team who best exemplifies the core values of being curious, nimble, passionate, and equitable at the CHEO Research Institute.

Osmond Impact Award

Awarded to: Magda Price
Presented to an individual who has significantly impacted the growth and leadership of the CHEO Research Institute in the past year.

Rhonda Correll Leadership Award (New in 2023)

Awarded to: Melissa Bellocchi
This award recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership in people, projects, programs, and teams, embodying the values that Rhonda Correll exemplified throughout her time at the RI.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!