Shiva Singh

Described as a "pioneer" in his areas of research, Singh has been at Western since 1978 and has maintained a strong record of funding and high productivity.

He was recognized with a Distinguished Research Professorship from the Faculty of Science and recently received a $1-million grant from the Ontario Mental Health Foundation Special Initiative Group.

"Shiva has been a prominent and most helpful participant in the growth and development of undergraduate genetic instruction at Western," says Professor Emeritus (Biology) David Walden, who participated in the recruitment of Singh from Dalhousie University. "I have great respect for him as a colleague."

Singh has supervised more than 40 graduate and 60 undergraduate research students who have gone on to receive numerous awards and fellowships. Many have stated how "mentally challenging" and "very rewarding" it was to work with Singh.

With a large pool of talented teachers and researchers at Western, Singh says it is a humbling experience to receive the university's top award for a faculty member.

"I am honoured and humbled by this special recognition," says Singh. "Honoured because, above all, this award recognizes excellence. There is no better honour than to be singled out by your colleagues and peers for a job well done."

However, Singh adds he must share the award with the graduate students and researchers that have left their mark in biology and at Western.

"It has been a privilege to work with such talented people and researchers. I have enjoyed every minute of it," he says.

Kathleen Hill, Assistant Biology Professor, says she can always rely on Singh.

"He has incredible people skills with an amazing ability to remember the researcher and the research," says Hill. "Almost everyday I can find him deep in conversation with students and pausing from his schedule to listen, reflect and mentor."