Cape Breton University Honours Excellence in 2025 Internal Research and Teaching Awards

Cape Breton University (CBU) gathered on Thursday, March 19, to honour the outstanding contributions of its faculty and community partners during the 2025 internal research and teaching awards reception. Held in the Yvonne LeVert Hospitality Suite, the event recognized individuals who exemplify CBU’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and student success.

Dr. Shannon Ezzat, a faculty member in the Department of Math, Physics and Geology since 2021, received the Instructional Leadership Award. Recognized for his dedication to educational excellence across CBU, Canada, and internationally, Dr. Ezzat’s contributions range from co-creating enrichment programs for underrepresented middle school students to leading program evaluations for the School of Science and Technology.

“With so many dedicated instructors that work tirelessly and care so much about student learning and attainment, I’m beyond honoured and humbled by this award,” said Dr. Ezzat.

The 2025 Margaret Dechman Community-Engaged Research Champion Award was presented to Fred Baechler and, posthumously, to his late wife, Lynn Baechler. Backed by 20 letters of support, their nomination highlighted 40 years of extraordinary dedication to Cape Breton’s water resources and ecological integrity.

Fred and Lynn were instrumental in establishing citizen science initiatives, empowering both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to steward their local environments. Through decades of self-funded research, wetland mapping and applied watershed protection, they not only shaped municipal water systems but also generously mentored the next generation of community-engaged scholars.
Fred Baechler, a Senior Hydrogeologist at EXP, accepted the award and reflected on the impactful work he and his late wife, Lynn, conducted.

“Lynn and I, throughout our whole careers, always preferred working behind the scenes. Not trying to stand out but giving the decision makers the information they needed, to make very valuable decisions,” Baechler said. “This award recognizes not only Lynn and I, who worked behind the scenes, but also the many other people in the community who work behind the scenes that nobody knows about. It’s a pretty neat award to recognize the importance of that.”

Dr. Carrie Karsgaard, an Assistant Professor in the Education Department, was presented with the President’s Award for a Rising Researcher, recognizing emerging leadership and sustained scholarly activity. Since joining CBU in 2023, Dr. Karsgaard has built an exceptional record, securing more than $550,000 as a principal investigator through various grants and participating in major national and international research partnerships. She is currently working with UNESCO to empower young people to shape educational policies that support climate change action.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the colleagues who generously put together the nomination package,” Dr. Karsgaard noted. “It is only within environments of collegiality and mutual support that research can thrive, and I am grateful to work in such a department at CBU.”

The President’s Award for Excellence in Research was awarded to Dr. Ian Brodie, a Professor of Folklore, acknowledging his exceptional capacity to undertake outstanding research and elevate the work of others. Joining CBU full-time in 2005, Dr. Brodie has built an exemplary 20-year portfolio in folklore studies, serving as president of the Folklore Studies Association of Canada, editing major journals, and publishing extensively.

“I cannot speak to whether I deserve this recognition, but I accept it with gratitude, particularly toward my chair, Dr. Dana Mount, who put me forward for it,” said Dr. Brodie. “I cannot help but thank the many students over the years who have inevitably comprised the first audience for my work, whose pointed questions have forced me to hone and clarify, making it all the stronger when it ventures out into the world.”

Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, Associate Vice-President of Academic and Research at Cape Breton University, captured the overarching spirit of the celebration, noting the essential role these pillars play at the university.

“Research, collaboration with the community and teaching are the foundation of our academic mission. Research is critical for evidence-informed decision making, especially in a time when reliable information is essential,” Dr. Brann-Barrett said. “When these three elements align, we build a culture that is both intellectually vibrant and deeply human. It strengthens our institution, and it enriches the communities that we serve.”

Congratulations to all of the 2025 award recipients. Their exceptional dedication continues to drive Cape Breton University’s mission forward, fostering an environment of innovation where students, faculty and the broader community can thrive together.