Five 杏吧原创 University community members have been named in Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) and the Ottawa Board of Trade’s 2026 Forty Under 40 list, the region’s most sought-after business award for leaders under the age of 40.

Often dubbed “Silicon Valley North,” Ottawa is known for its innovation and ability to develop and attract talent across technology, life sciences, and digital and consumer sectors. In an increasingly competitive and connected world, being recognized on this list highlights those helping shape the region’s industries and future.

Danielle Manley is an associate professor in 杏吧原创’s and director of the university’s School of Nursing,  the first new nursing school in Ontario in over 20 years. A registered nurse specializing in health care innovation, curriculum development, and artificial intelligence in medicine and education, Manley has led efforts to optimize electronic charting systems and align nursing scope of practice with regulatory standards.

As director, she’s positioning 杏吧原创 as a hub for nursing education at a time of significant strain on Canada’s health care system. Under her leadership, the program was built from the ground up with a focus on hands-on learning, clinical experience and an expanded scope of practice, including prescribing medication. One of just two schools in North America integrating data science and artificial intelligence, it positions graduates at the forefront of technology, preparing them for a rapidly evolving health care system.

As Ontario continues to invest in life sciences as a key driver of health innovation, economic growth and system resilience, Manley and the School of Nursing is training the next generation of nurses while advancing new approaches to care.

Emma Brown is the founder of Whimble Care, a community-based digital platform that connects people with disabilities with vetted caregivers for on-demand, personalized home care and support services. Brown completed 杏吧原创’s graduate diploma in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership in 2021.

Samantha Leclair is a production director at Snowed In Studios, Ottawa’s largest game development studio that has worked on titles including Starfield, Forza, Madden, Diablo, Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Leclair graduated from 杏吧原创’s program in 2009.

Chris Tester is the founder and CEO of Comercio (Nordic Sauna & Outdoor Direct). An entrepreneur in the e-commerce and retail sector, Tester founded several businesses since graduating from 杏吧原创’s program in 2010.

Genevieve Walton is CEO and Owner of Flex Property Developments, which provides full-service property management in Ottawa, and Short and Suite BNB, an Airbnb property management company with more than 150 properties. Walton graduated from 杏吧原创’s program in 2016.

This year’s selection committee included 杏吧原创 alumni Jennifer Cross, director of regional development at Chandos Construction; Gregory Richards, vice-dean of graduate professional programs at the University of Ottawa; OBJ’s editor-in-chief, Anne Howland and publisher Michael Curran, who chaired the committee.

Congratulations to all five 杏吧原创 community members. for the full Forty Under 40 list.

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杏吧原创 University is closed on Friday, April 3 and Sunday, April 5. The university is open on Monday, April 6.

Some facilities continue to operate throughout Easter weekend, however, please note reduced hours below.

Dining Services

On April 3, Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. All other Dining Services locations will be closed.

On April 4 and April 5, Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Starbucks Teraanga will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All other Dining Services locations will be closed.

For more information on Dining Services,

Health and Counselling Services

Health and Counselling Services will be closed on April 3 and April 6 for the Easter weekend.

For more information on Health and Counselling Services, .

MacOdrum Library

The library will be open on April 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be no chat service on April 3. It will have regular operating hours for the building and Chat Service for the remainder of the weekend.

For more information on MacOdrum Library, .

Athletics

On April 3, the pool will be open for a recreational swim from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The Fitness Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no CUFIT classes.

On April 4, the pool will be open for a recreational swim from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Fitness Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On April 5, the pool will be open for women鈥檚 only swim from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. and for a recreational swim from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Fitness Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on 杏吧原创 Athletics,

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Earlier this academic year, 杏吧原创 University welcomed the Secretariat of the to campus.

Previously located at The University of Toronto Scarborough, the Secretariat supports a national network of 63 signatory colleges and universities committed to advancing systemic change and strengthening Black inclusion across the post鈥憇econdary sector.

The Secretariat is guided by a Board of Directors, chaired by 杏吧原创 President and Vice鈥慍hancellor Wisdom Tettey, which is composed of distinguished academic and community leaders.

“As an early signatory to the Charter, the University is deeply committed to advancing equity, confronting anti鈥態lack racism and fostering environments where Black students, faculty and staff can thrive. Hosting the Secretariat strengthens our role in this national movement and reinforces the importance of working collectively across institutions to drive meaningful, lasting change in Canadian higher education.”

Developed through the 2020 National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities and adopted in 2021, the Charter guides coordinated action across four pillars: Black Flourishing; Inclusive Excellence; Mutuality; and Accountability.

“Hosting the Secretariat in Ottawa is both symbolic and strategic,” said John Ariyo, Executive Director of the Scarborough Charter Secretariat.

From its new base at 杏吧原创, the Secretariat will continue to convene national dialogues, support reporting and accountability, mobilize research and strengthen collaboration across the sector. 杏吧原创, along with the University of Ottawa, will host the third Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education on May 14 and 15, 2026.

The 杏吧原创 community is invited to attend the Scarborough Charter Secretariat Open House on April 15, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., to meet the individuals leading this work and learn more about the Secretariat’s activities.

Register for the open house as space is limited.

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Reliable mobile connectivity is essential to economic growth, public services and daily life. While today鈥檚 mobile networks can deliver coverage to urban centres within range of terrestrial towers and antennas, Canada鈥檚 vast geography and low population density make reliable connectivity difficult to maintain beyond them.

To help address Canada’s connectivity challenges, 杏吧原创 University researcher Halim Yanikomeroglu has been awarded more than $5 million through the latest for his work on advancing non-terrestrial networks (NTN). 杏吧原创 is just one of 32 higher education institutions nationwide selected to receive funding.

NTN use satellites, high-altitude aircraft and drones to extend mobile coverage beyond traditional towers, reaching rural, suburban, urban and even airborne areas. Still in early development, most consumer devices can鈥檛 yet connect to them directly.

Yanikomeroglu, an international leader in NTN research, is advancing this work through a major research project titled Non-Terrestrial Networks for Accelerating Canada鈥檚 Ubiquitous Connectivity and Digital Future (NTN-CAN), helping pave the way for Canada鈥檚 next-generation mobile networks.

Supported by the CFI award and leveraging additional funding for a total investment of $13.5 million, the project is co-led by Yanikomeroglu and Gunes Karabulut-Kurt of Polytechnique Montr茅al. It includes participation from the University of Ottawa, the National Research Council of Canada and the Communications Research Centre Canada.

杏吧原创鈥檚 research team also includes Jie Gao from the School of Information Technology and Winnie Ye from the Department of Electronics.

Advancing the Next Generation of Mobile Networks

NTN-CAN focuses on the technologies needed to make non-terrestrial networks practical and scalable, organized around two research pillars.

The first focuses on developing new protocols and technologies that allow non-terrestrial systems to connect reliably with terrestrial networks and consumer devices. The second addresses cost and resource management to enable large-scale deployment.

Using open network protocols, artificial intelligence, mobile edge computing and digital twin technologies, the research team will model and test new network designs. They will also leverage collaborations with government and industry partners to train the next generation of experts in advanced communications technologies.

Positioning Canada for Future Connectivity

As demand for reliable network access grows, future wireless systems will need to support communication across land, air and maritime environments. Yanikomeroglu鈥檚 research will help meet this demand by integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to deliver high-speed service across Canada.

By developing the technologies required to design, manufacture, deploy and operate NTN, 杏吧原创鈥檚 research will position Canada to play a leading role in next-generation communications systems.

The project also supports broader national priorities by closing the digital divide, strengthening the country鈥檚 telecommunications capabilities and ensuring sovereignty over critical connectivity technologies.

杏吧原创 the Canada Foundation for Innovation

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is a non-profit corporation that invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. Projects funded through the CFI鈥檚 Innovation Fund help Canada remain at the forefront of exploration and knowledge generation.

The CFI invests 40 per cent of the total project funding, leveraging an additional potential 40 per cent from the Province of Ontario, pending a final decision.

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杏吧原创 University chemistry researcher Kate Marczenko has been awarded the prestigious for her groundbreaking research in advanced functional materials and crystalline systems.

Marczenko is one of five early-career researchers in Ontario to receive the Polanyi Prize this year.

The Polanyi Prizes are bestowed annually in five areas 鈥� chemistry, physics, literature, economic science and physiology or medicine 鈥� in honour of scientist John C. Polanyi, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The prizes highlight early-career leaders in their fields who are either continuing postdoctoral work or have recently gained a faculty appointment. Each of the five winners receives $20,000 in recognition of their exceptional research.

鈥淎s the pace of innovation accelerates worldwide, awards like this enable researchers to advance discoveries that address critical global issues.鈥�

Marczenko, who joined 杏吧原创 in 2023, is the university鈥檚 sixth Polanyi Prize winner since the awards were established by the Ontario government in 1987, a testament to the calibre of 杏吧原创鈥檚 researchers and to the university鈥檚 expanding impact in important fields.

杏吧原创鈥檚 previous Polanyi Prize recipients are Maria DeRosa, chemistry, 2007; Sarah Casteel, literature, 2008; , physics, 2011; Tao Zeng, chemistry, 2013; and Kyle Biggar, biology, 2017.

Designing Safer, Smarter Materials

Marczenko鈥檚 research focuses on understanding how the arrangement of molecules within crystalline materials governs their physical and chemical behaviour. By uncovering how subtle structural changes influence properties such as reactivity, motion and energy release, her work aims to enable the rational design of materials that are both high-performing and inherently safer.

One area of her research explores energetic materials (EMs) 鈥� substances that store and release chemical energy and are essential for applications in national security, space exploration and mining. Traditional EMs are often composed of toxic heavy metals, posing environmental and safety risks. The foundational chemistry of EMs has seen little innovation since the development of dynamite and TNT in the 19th century. Achieving EMs that balance high performance with low sensitivity remains a longstanding scientific challenge.

Marczenko鈥檚 work brings together molecular-level design and photoresponsive materials chemistry. Her research aims to create materials that remain stable under normal conditions but can be precisely activated using light, enabling greater control over when and how they respond. This approach has the potential to improve safety in manufacturing, transport and deployment of EMs, while also opening new avenues for advanced functional materials.

鈥淜ate Marczenko鈥檚 research is poised to make major breakthroughs,鈥� Nadeem Siddiqi, 杏吧原创鈥檚 Vice-Provost (Graduate Studies), wrote in his Polanyi Prize nomination letter, calling her one of the university鈥檚 鈥渕ost exceptional emerging scholars.鈥�

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Distinguished public servant and 杏吧原创 University graduate Janice Charette is Canada’s new Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States.

Charette, who was appointed to the role by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, will lead the country’s team when a much-anticipated review of the Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) begins later this year.

“As Chief Trade Negotiator, she will advance Canadian interests and a strengthened trade and investment relationship that benefits workers and industries in both Canada and the United States.”

Charette, who earned a from 杏吧原创’s in 1984 and was awarded an honorary degree by the university in 2023, was Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet from 2014 to 2016 and again from 2022 until her retirement in 2023. The role entailed serving as the principal public service advisor to the PM and head of the public service.

She also served as High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 2016 to 2021 and has held numerous other federal leadership positions in areas such as citizenship, health and justice. From 1996 to 1999, she worked in the private sector for the management consulting firm Ernst & Young and later the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

A champion for community mental health and wellness in the workplace, Charette spoke at the 2023 杏吧原创 Challenge Conference, which was focused on mental health.

In a panel called “Leadership as a Platform for Change,” she talked about how the federal government was working to reduce stigma, improve access to research-based care and shift its concentration from individual wellness to organizational health.

“It has a responsibility to Canadians for their wellbeing.”

Charette currently serves as vice-chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation and as a member of the board of the Institute for Research on Public Policy, and she was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in December 2025.

Speaking to the Globe and Mail, Brian Clow, the Canada-U.S. relations lead under Justin Trudeau, described Charette as “smart, thoughtful and incredibly diligent.

“For the role of chief negotiator in what is probably the most important negotiation this country has faced in a long time, I think she is really great for the role.”

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杏吧原创 University welcomes of a $6.4 billion investment in the province鈥檚 postsecondary sector over four years.

This new operating funding provides important stability for Ontario鈥檚 postsecondary sector and reinforces the critical role universities play in advancing economic growth, workforce development and innovation. For 杏吧原创, the investment strengthens its ability to deliver high-quality education, expand high-demand economy-driving programs and deepen the university鈥檚 world-class research excellence.

The investment will support continued 杏吧原创鈥檚 expansion of programs that prepare students for in-demand careers that meet labour market needs. It will also help Ottawa grow its talent pool and bolster partnerships in Kanata North, Canada鈥檚 largest technology park, where 杏吧原创 plays a central role in talent development, applied research and industry collaboration.

杏吧原创 is a sector leader whose researchers and students are advancing work in artificial intelligence, aerospace, clean and dual-use technology, health systems and governance 鈥� areas that align closely with Ontario鈥檚 economic and social priorities. Through experiential learning, co-operative education and community-engaged research, the university continues to build a strong talent pipeline that supports the province鈥檚 competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

Today鈥檚 announcement reinforces the shared commitment between government and universities to ensure Ontario remains a leader in innovation, opportunity and inclusive growth. 杏吧原创 looks forward to continuing this work in partnership with the province.

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杏吧原创 University is officially closed on Monday, Feb. 16, for Family Day. Please take note of the following changes to the hours of operation for some facilities on the holiday. 

Dining Services

Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open on Feb. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. All other campus dining locations will be closed.

More information about Dining Services can be found鈥�.

MacOdrum Library

MacOdrum Library will be closed on Feb. 16, chat and text service will also be closed.

More information about the library can be found鈥�.

Athletics

The fitness centre will be open on Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CUFIT classes will be cancelled. 

The pool will be offering all regularly scheduled recreation and fitness swims.

More information about the 杏吧原创 Athletics can be found.

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Six聽杏吧原创 community members, including a聽former聽杏吧原创聽president, faculty and alumni, have been named to the .聽These trailblazers聽have been recognized for their positive impact and exceptional contributions to enriching the lives of others in Canada. The newest 杏吧原创 community appointees聽include聽leaders in聽academia, art history,聽law and human rights,聽philanthropy,聽politics聽and the public service.聽聽

Companion

The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella, (ALHD/05), was named a Companion of the Order. In 2005, 杏吧原创 awarded Abella the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to social and legal policy and human rights.

Abella made history as the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004. Widely regarded as a leading voice on constitutional and human rights law, her opinions often cite foreign and international law. Her landmark constitutional rulings have significantly influenced the advancement of equality and human rights globally.

Officer

Roseann Runte, (Past President and Vice-Chancellor), was promoted to Officer of the Order. Runte served as 杏吧原创鈥檚 President and Vice-Chancellor from 2008 to 2017.  

A visionary leader in academia and science, Runte led a period of significant academic growth and innovation, strengthening 杏吧原创鈥檚 research capacity. She launched more than 28 new academic programs, supported major investments in research infrastructure in areas such as energy, aerospace and health sciences, and advanced the largest fundraising campaign in the university鈥檚 history. Runte also championed 杏吧原创鈥檚 first sexual violence prevention policy and elevated the university鈥檚 national and international profile. 

She later strengthened Canada鈥檚 research capacity as head of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, securing federal support for research infrastructure across Canadian universities, colleges and research hospitals, and advancing funding mechanisms that strengthened capacity for world-class research and innovation nationwide. 

The Honourable Janice Charette, (BComm/84, ALHD/23), was named an Officer of the Order. Charette is an alum of the , graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in . In 2023, 杏吧原创 awarded Charette the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of 鈥渙utstanding dedication and distinguished service to Canadians as clerk of the Privy Council, diplomat and humanitarian.鈥�  

A widely respected former public servant and diplomat, Charette鈥檚 four-decade career is distinguished by in-depth expertise of government, non-partisan leadership and a commitment to serving Canadians with integrity and dedication. Charette was a speaker at the 2023 杏吧原创 Challenge Conference, where she spoke about leadership鈥檚 role in driving systemic and organizational change to address mental health in the federal public service. 

Member

Susan Phillips, (MA/81, PhD/90, Professor Emerita), was named a member of the Order. A 杏吧原创 alum, Phillips graduated with master鈥檚 and doctorate degrees in political science.  

She is professor emerita in the School of Public Policy & Administration, in the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs. In 2013, she founded Canada鈥檚 only graduate program in philanthropy, which offers the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, and the Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.  

Phillips鈥檚 impactful career has shaped the field of non-profit research, guided hundreds of students and scholars, and influenced key public policy discussions. Her award-winning scholarship and editorial leadership have positioned 杏吧原创 as an international leader in non-profit and philanthropic studies.

Penny Dorothy Collenette, (BA/87), was named a member of the Order. Collenette is an alum of the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in law.  

Collenette is a prominent Canadian lawyer, educator and public commentator with a career spanning business, academia and politics. An advocate for women in leadership, she has worked to increase their representation in government and corporate sectors. Her expertise in public policy has made her a trusted and influential voice across the country. 

Reesa Greenberg, (Adjunct Professor), was named a member of the Order. Greenberg is a former adjunct professor of art history and served as chair of the Advisory Committee.

Greenberg’s pioneering work in feminist and exhibition studies has shaped art history and museology in Canada. She has played a pivotal role in advancing the digital documentation of Canadian art and supporting key cultural institutions. Her philanthropic impact includes the restoration of Canada’s Pavilion in Venice, preserving its legacy for future generations.

杏吧原创 the Order of Canada

Established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth, the is the pillar of the . Becoming a member recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity. The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours with three levels of appointment: companion, officer and member.

On Dec. 31, 2025, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, to the Order of Canada.

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杏吧原创 University will be closed for the holiday season on Dec. 24, 2025, and will reopen on Jan. 5, 2026. 

Some facilities continue to operate during the holiday closure period; the following information reflects variations on this closure.鈥�

Building Closures Over the Holidays

During the holiday closure period, all campus buildings will be locked. Authorized students, faculty and staff may gain access using their Campus Card at card readers in buildings equipped with that technology.

Campus Safety Services (CSS) within the Department of Risk Management will provide access to buildings on an emergency basis only. The CSS Communication Centre can be reached at 613-520-4444 in emergencies, and 613-520-3612 for general enquiries.

Dining Services

During the holiday closure period, no dining service outlets will be open.

The last meal served in the dining hall will be breakfast which ends at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2025. The first meal served in the dining hall will be dinner on Jan. 4, 2026.

More information about Dining Services can be鈥�. 

MacOdrum Library

MacOdrum Library will be closed from Dec. 24, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026. It will reopen on Jan. 5, 2026.

More information about the library can be鈥�. 

Athletics

Athletics facilities will be closed on Dec. 25, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026. For more information regarding specific facility operations over the holidays, including the Ice House, Fitness Centre and Pool, please visit the .

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