2024-2025 Year in Review: Awards and Appointments
Faye Mishna to be the University of Toronto’s next ombudsperson
Professor Faye Mishna, past dean of FIFSW, was appointed U of T’s next ombudsperson for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2025. An expert on bullying, cyberbullying and the use of new technologies in the field of social work, Mishna says there are many parallels between her research and scholarship and her new role — particularly when it comes to conflict resolution and impartiality. The appointment marks a new stage in her career: after 26 years of teaching, research and leadership at FIFSW, Mishna is retiring from her academic role. (Read more in the Facutly promotions and administrative leadership section of our Year in Review.)
Jia Xue receives the Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award
The Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award recognizes individuals who are engaged in innovative scholarship, have embraced a rigorous approach to social work research, and are an emerging influence in the field. It is a significant honour, recognizing exceptional work.
“Jia Xue’s ground-breaking scholarship linking AI, social media, and social justice has been recognized for advancing the profession, particularly in areas related to marginalization, oppression, and privilege,” says Charmaine Williams, Dean and Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “To our knowledge, this is the first time this award has been given to someone from a Canadian university.”
Amanda Grenier joins the Lancet Commission on Frailty
Frailty is the foremost geriatric syndrome in older adults, posing a major public health challenge, but it is poorly understood. The Lancet Commission on Frailty aims to inform health care and public policy to prevent frailty and improve access to evidence-based care. Joining medical and public health professionals, Professor Amanda Grenier provides the Commission with a vital social work voice.
Rachelle Ashcroft appointed Chair of U of T’s InterFaculty Curriculum Committee (IFCC)
The IFCC is responsible for the University of Toronto’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Curriculum, in partnership with the Toronto Academic Health Science Network, inclusive of 14 hospitals and 12 health and social care professional training programs. Associate Professor Rachelle Ashcroft has served on the IFCC for 7 years and has over 14 years of experience in social work practice working on interprofessional teams across various healthcare environments including primary care, sexual health, and community mental health. In her IFCC chair role, Dr. Ashcroft has focused her first year on enhancing the clarity, structure, and process of the IFCC to ensure the continued evolution and success of the IPE curriculum.
Carmen Logie becomes a fellow of U of T’s SDGs Scholars Academy
Professor Carmen Logie was among five new Fellows to join the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) Scholars Academy in 2025. The SDGs Scholars Academy is a dynamic think tank within the SDGs@UofT that fosters transdisciplinary research and mobilizes knowledge to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and inform future global goals. Professor Peter A. Newman and Assistant Professor Notisha Massaquoi are Affiliates of the Academy.
Rupaleem Bhuyan appointed the next Director of the Centre for Critical Qualitative Health Research
A recognized scholar whose research focuses on gender-based violence, immigration policy, systemic racism, and health equity, Professor Rupaleem Bhuyan‘s work integrates critical qualitative methods with participatory and community-based approaches, towards centering collective action and knowledge from migrants and racialized communities.
Bhuyan has been an Academic Fellow at CQ since 2018. She will be stepping into the role as Director of the Centre for Critical Qualitative Health Research in January 2026.
Best books of 2024
The book Let’s Talk About Aging Parents, by Assistant Professor, Status Only, and Sessional Instructor Laura Tamblyn Watts was named one of 2024’s best books about aging and retirement by the Wall Street Journal.Tamblyn Watts is the CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national seniors’ advocacy organization. Her work focuses on aging, inclusion, consumer rights and social justice.