Chemistry and Biology professor awarded coveted Henry Baldwin Ward Medal for research in parasitology
Chemistry and Biology professor Janet Koprivnikar receives the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal, one of five women to receive the award in 65 years, for her outstanding research and leadership in parasitology.
Professor Janet Koprivnikar was honoured with the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal at the annual meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists in Denver, Colorado, this past June.
Koprivnikar has been a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University for over 11 years and currently serves as Interim Associate Dean of Programs at TMU’s Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS). Her exceptional contributions to disease and parasite ecology were recently recognized with the Henry Baldwin Ward medal, awarded annually to a mid-career scientist who has demonstrated outstanding research and leadership in parasitology, the highest honour from the American Society of Parasitologists.
The study of emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases is more critical than ever, given their tremendous impacts and the increasing global risk that they pose to humans, wildlife and domestic animals. Koprivnikar’s research examines the ecology of host-parasite interactions and how they are affected by their environment, focusing specifically on aquatic organisms. Her work helps better understand and predict when, how and why parasites infect hosts and their implications on disease management.
In the 65 years that the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal has been given out, only five women have been honoured. Reflecting upon its significance, Koprivnikar remarked, "I am pleased to join its ranks, and I hope this will encourage young female scientists to pursue research in this area.” She also acknowledged the support provided by her research group throughout her journey, adding, “This award speaks to the tremendous role played by my research students, as well as the value of collaborative research.”
"The award is a testament to the dedication, hard work and innovative spirit of Dr. Koprivnikar and her team. The recognition underscores the importance of her work and highlights the Faculty of Science’s commitment to advancing knowledge and driving positive change," said Michael Kolios, associate dean of research, innovation and external partnerships at the Faculty of Science. Making reference to the Faculty of Science’s 2022-2027 Strategic Research Plan (SRP), he added, "Her work on understanding host-parasite-environment interactions aligns with the SRP’s theme of Natural and Urban Ecosystems and exemplifies our commitment to multidisciplinary research."
Koprivnikar's research contributions include over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals, with co-authors from around the world. She is a contributing researcher for Urban Water TMU and also holds editorial roles at the International Journal of Parasitology and the Journal of Helminthology. To date, she has supervised or co-supervised 14 graduate students and two postdoctoral researchers at TMU.
Learn more about the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal. (external link)
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