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2025 Award for Excellence in Supervision: Kirsten Zickfeld

As a Distinguished Professor of Climate Science in the Department of Geography, Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld is widely recognized for her exceptional graduate mentorship, which blends academic excellence, personal care, and visionary leadership. Her supervision style is rooted in a student-centered philosophy that prioritizes individualized guidance, research excellence, and an inclusive academic environment.

Zickfeld works closely with each student to co-design research projects that reflect their interests and aspirations, while cultivating the skills needed for impactful scientific inquiry. She fosters a respectful and intellectually engaging lab culture where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and grow as independent thinkers. Her students regularly publish in high-impact journals, present at major international conferences, and secure competitive scholarships and fellowships.

Graduate student Rachel Chimuka, who completed her master’s under Zickfeld and is now pursuing her PhD, describes her mentorship as transformative.

Says Chimuka, “What makes Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld’s mentorship truly exceptional is the depth of care, vision, and integrity she brings to every student relationship. She empowers students to see their research as part of a larger purpose—advancing climate science and informing policy—and gives them the tools to succeed in that mission. Her belief in me and her extraordinary support helped me secure the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.”

Zickfeld’s mentorship extends beyond academic training. She encourages students to pursue professional development opportunities tailored to their goals, including teaching experience, grant writing, and scientific communication.

MSc student, Pierre Etienne Banville says, “From the outset of my graduate studies, Dr. Zickfeld supported my desire to build skills in machine learning, even though this is not a core area of her expertise. She helped design a project that aligned with my interests and encouraged me to pursue relevant training. Her dedication to fostering skilled, independent researchers within a supportive environment exemplifies excellence in graduate supervision.”

Graduate Program Chair Dr. Rosemary Collard highlights Zickfeld’s leadership in equity and inclusion.

Says Collard, “Dr. Zickfeld’s mentorship reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, personal care, and visionary guidance. She created a BIPOC graduate entrance scholarship that has benefited students across the department. In her lab, she initiates thoughtful conversations about equity and access in science and works closely with students to co-create meaningful change. Her leadership is not stifling—it dismantles systemic barriers while empowering students to succeed despite them.”

Zickfeld’s commitment to equity is reflected in her recruitment practices, inclusive lab culture, and annual EDI sessions. She ensures equal access to opportunities by providing uniform travel funding and increasing research assistantship support to reduce financial barriers. Her lab is a place where all voices are heard, all questions are welcome, and every student feels valued.

“My goal,” says Zickfeld, “is to cultivate independent, creative, and rigorous scientists who not only excel in research but contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. I tailor supervision to support each student’s growth, and I invest in building a collegial, inclusive environment where students can thrive.”

We congratulate Dr. Kirsten Zickfeld on receiving the Dean of Graduate Studies Award for Excellence in Supervision. Her dedication to mentorship, research excellence, and inclusive academic leadership continues to shape the next generation of climate scientists and leaders.

The 2026 Graduate Studies Awards for Excellence are opening soon for nominations. Nominations will be accepted from November 1, 2025 until 11:59 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2026.