Outstanding Faculty Celebrated at Trent University's Teaching and Research Excellence Awards

Trent University has recognized eight individuals for inspiring and supporting students, colleagues and the broader Trent community at their annual Teaching and Research Excellence Awards at Stohn Hall on Wednesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Dr. Kira Borden, Dr. Andrew Loeb, Dr. Nour Hammami, Cathy Bruce, Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, Dr. Stephanie Rutherford and Jonathon Smith. (absent) Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer and Dr. Joshua Synenko. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The teaching and research excellence spans several subjects, including Canadian Studies, Child & Youth Studies, Environmental Science, English, Cultural Studies, and Biology.

“At Trent, dynamic teaching and critical research go hand in hand. Our Teaching and Research Excellence Awards recognize the people who propel Trent’s strengths in both areas. This year's recipients have demonstrated excellence in how they engage students and advance knowledge in their fields,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Their work is thoughtful, rigorous, and grounded in care for student learning. It is wonderful to be able to recognize their contributions to our academic community.” 

The following are this year’s award recipients:

Dr. Nour Hammanmi. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Nour Hammami, Child &Youth Studies

Dr. Nour Hammami is an assistant professor in Child & Youth Studies at Trent Durham Greater Toronto Area. Dr. Hammami is recognized as a creative, inspiring, and generous educator whose interactive teaching, supportive mentorship, and ability to simplify complex material through real‑life examples have left a meaningful impact on her students. Dr. Hammami builds students’ confidence through ongoing encouragement and creates safer learning environments where students can thrive both academically and personally. Dr. Hammami inspires and challenges students, facilitating difficult discussion topics with sensitivity and care. Her passion for teaching is evident in all aspects of her work, as is her steadfast commitment to students’ success. 

From a nominator: “Nour genuinely cares about her students and always takes the time to make sure no one is left behind. Her support motivated me to participate more and believe in my ability to succeed academically.” 

Distinguished Research Award: Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer

The 2026 Distinguished Research Award honours Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and a professor in the School for the Study of Canada. He is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts on Arctic and Northern security, governance, and policy. His research has shaped national and global conversations on climate change, emerging security challenges, and northern sovereignty, while advancing Indigenous‑centered, community‑engaged approaches.  

Since joining Trent University in 2018, he has produced an exceptional body of scholarship that continues to inform government decision‑making. Dr. Lackenbauer founded the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN) in 2019, which has since become a major policy research hub with significant external funding. A prolific and award‑winning author, he is also a former Killam Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Canadian Forces College, which underscores his outstanding impact and influence. 

From a nominator: “His long-standing relationships with Northern Indigenous partners ensure that his research is conducted in the North, with the North, and for the North. This approach strengthens both the scholarly integrity and the real-world impact of his work.”

Dr. Andrew Loeb. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Award for Excellence in Online Teaching: Dr. Andrew Loeb, English

Dr. Andrew Loeb, an assistant professor in English, is recognized for his innovative teaching methods and course design that foster student engagement and success. Nominators noted how Dr. Loeb seamlessly incorporates online learning tools, such as Hypothesis and voice recordings, into his courses to support students’ learning. Dr. Loeb creates dynamic online learning environments that build a sense of connection and deeply enhance student learning at Trent.   

Dr. Kira Borden (left) With her daughter Nora (middle) and and partner Nick Gralewicz (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Early Career Researcher Award: Dr. Kira Borden, Trent School of the Environment

Dr. Kira Borden, an assistant professor at Trent University’s School of the Environment since 2022, has rapidly built an outstanding research program focused on plant-soil interactions and climate‑resilient agroecosystems. In just over two years she has secured significant competitive research funding as principal investigator, earned Trent’s 2025 Merit Award in Research, and produced an impressive record of published scientific articles in high‑impact journals. Her research integrates mechanistic plant-soil interaction research with applied studies of soil carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in agroecosystems. Professor Borden’s work is already influencing sustainable agriculture and food‑security strategies across diverse farming contexts as she collaborates with farmers, government scientists, and industry partners to apply nature‑based climate solutions. 

Early Career Researcher Awards: Dr. Joshua Synenko, Cultural Studies

Dr. Joshua Synenko, an assistant professor in Cultural Studies, is emerging as a leading voice in media studies through his research on technological, cultural, and political transformations in artistic practice. His growing scholarly profile includes a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, editorial leadership, and major grant activity. Professor Synenko’s monograph, Reconfiguring Locative Art, along with his role in founding the international Media Theory Association and organizing conferences in Toronto and Naples, highlights his expanding global impact.  

Dr. Stephanie Rutherford. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research: Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, Trent School of the Environment

Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, an associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment, is recognized for her strong commitment to community‑based research and to supporting student achievement. Through her longstanding collaboration with the Trent Community Research Centre, she has mentored students on applied research projects exploring connections between nature, mental health, and pro‑environmental behaviour, work that directly informs community sustainability initiatives. Professor Rutherford’s supervision consistently enables students to translate academic learning into meaningful community impact, exemplifying faculty leadership that advances both research engagement and student success. 

Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, Biology

Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, a sessional faculty member in Biology, is praised for her ability to creatively adapt labs and assignments based on student feedback to create immersive learning experiences. Professor Jian-Javdan inspires students with her passion for mammals and conservation and empowers them by creating a respectful and supportive learning environment where they can learn from mistakes and thrive.  

Jonathon Smith. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance: Jonathon Smith, Child & Youth Studies

Jonathon Smith, a teaching assistant in Child & Youth Studies, is recognized for his outstanding support with academic writing and APA formatting, and for his ability to give constructive feedback that builds students’ confidence. His approachable teaching style fosters an inclusive, impactful learning environment that prioritizes student success, supported by his willingness to meet with students outside of class and share helpful academic resources.

@ptbo_canada The following are the recipients: Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Nour Hammami Distinguished Research Award: Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research: Dr. Stephanie Rutherford Early Career Researcher Award: Dr. Kira Borden and Dr. Joshua Synenko CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan '13 (Traill College) Award for Excellence in Online Teaching: Dr. Andrew Loeb Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance: Jonathon Smith '21 #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #trentuniversity ♬ Happy / Video CM / Ukulele ♬ Cooking / Family(897363) - ImoKenpi-Dou

“Trent researchers continue to drive the University’s reputation for scholarly excellence, and this year’s award recipients exemplify the creativity and dedication behind that success,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president of Research and Innovation at Trent University. “Transformative research is a long-term commitment. These awards celebrate both those with established records of sustained achievement and those whose promising early work is opening new pathways of discovery. Together, they demonstrate the strength and momentum of Trent’s research community and its ongoing contributions to knowledge creation.” 

“The teaching awards celebrate educators and teaching assistants who foster the kind of dynamic learning environments that students can expect from Trent University,” noted Dr. Kristy Buccieri, acting associate dean of Teaching and Learning. “The individuals recognized this year have demonstrated exemplary pedagogical practices, ensuring that students remain at the heart of the learning process.”

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Three Students Off to Compete In Edmonton After Placing As Top Three Entries At Peterborough Regional Science Fair

Claire Sehn, Ella Sehn and Isaiah Jalsevac are headed to Edmonton to compete in the Canada-Wide Science Fair after placing in the top three as the grand prize winners at the Peterborough Regional Science Fair at Trent University on Wednesday.

Third-Place finisher Ella Sehn (left); Winner Claire Sehn (middle) and runner-up Isaiah Jalsevac (right) are all headed to Edmonton after thEir top-three finish at the Peterborough Regional Science Fair. tHE TRIO WERE ALSO TOP THREE IN LAST YEAR’S EVENT. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Regional Science Fair.

Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 competed in several different divisions and categories, showcasing their projects.

The following were the top three grand prize projects:

A Novel, Biodegradable Treatment to Limit Drought and Wildfire Disaster and Retain Soil Nutrients by Claire Sehn of Lakefield College School (first place)

Our planet is facing serious environmental crises: global warming is causing wildfires, drought is decimating agricultural yields, and waning soil fertility is hindering crop growth. Current approaches to address these issues are generally singular in focus and limited in efficacy.

A biodegradable treatment capable of retaining moisture, limiting combustion, and sustaining nutrients could address these environmental challenges simultaneously. A novel treatment was engineered, consisting of hydrogels created from pineapple peel, pine needles or corn husk; calcium carbonate from milled mussel shells; and engineered wheat-based biochar. Four treatment groups, including a control, were applied to 20 soil samples and the moisture percentage was measured daily for five days.

Treatments were applied to 40 wood samples and were subjected to combustion tests. Four different combustion studies were measured. Trials involving mussel shells and biochar or the combination were brought to equilibrium in a 10 parts per million fertilizer: water solution and the nutrient adsorption percentage was measured using ion chromatography. The triple combination treatment demonstrated the ability to mitigate the effects of wildfire and drought by improving water retention (p<0.05) and limiting fire combustion (p<0.05) using standardized tests. The treatment was also effective in adsorbing phosphate and nitrate, thereby improving soil health. BET surface area analysis demonstrated that the engineered biochar had a surface area of 2 m^2/g. Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry validated the structural characteristics of the engineered biochar and compost-based hydrogels. This study demonstrates the efficacy of manufacturing compost-based environmental protection treatments from materials readily available in Canada.

Firebird: Autonomous UAV Detection and Monitoring of Wildfires by Isaiah Jalsevac of Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School (runner-up)

Wildfires are an increasing concern as climate change decreases precipitation, causes earlier snow melt, and increases the likelihood of fires. They can cause undue harm to wildlife if left unchecked, cause people to have to evacuate, and cause vast smoke clouds to cover huge tracts of land. Also, wildfires are a huge factor in greenhouse gas emissions, releasing massive amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

In 2023, more CO2 was released into the atmosphere from wildfires than from all other sources in Canada combined. Early detection is the most effective method for limiting wildfire damage - a small fire is easy to put out, a raging fire that has been burning for days is not. This project seeks to address gaps in the current detection methods by creating a long-range, autonomous UAV capable of flying for hundreds of kilometres and detecting wildfires from their thermal signatures.

This project focuses on three main areas: iterative simulations to design the optimal airframe for a long-range UAV, designed specifically for detecting wildfires; different detection algorithms and their accuracy at detecting wildfires; and different approaches to optimally deploy these UAVs and maximize detection coverage.

Removal of Aquatic Microbial Biocontaminants with Ozonide: An Assessment of Apoptosis in Wildtype and CRISPR-Cas9 iPT Homozygous Knockout Cell Lines by Ella Sehn of Lakefield College School (third place)

Microbial blooms biocontaminate the drinking-water sources relied on by over 100 million people worldwide. The removal of these water biocontaminants could substantially improve global health. Recent microbial studies have identified an indirect connection between the gene iPT and cell stress tolerance but its role in regulating cell survival remains incompletely understood.

Ozonide is a chemical capable of lysing cell membranes through depolymerization. The objectives of this research were twofold: first, to determine the functional implications of iPT in regulating cell survival, and second, to determine the capacity of ozonide to induce apoptosis (cell death) in microbial cells. iPT was deleted from the Euglena Gracilis genome using CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a line of homozygous iPT-knockout cells (-/-). Apoptosis was assessed in these knockouts in comparison to wildtype cells (+/+).

Second, the capacity of ozonide to induce apoptosis in both cell lines was assessed by its application in concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 µg/mL. To quantify apoptosis, four assays were employed: DNA and RNA electrophoresis, cell viability and RT-qPCR for Metacaspase gene expression. The -/- cells showed far lower viability and higher expression of the Metacaspase genes. Further, the application of ozonide resulted in a substantial increase in apoptosis, as shown by hallmark ladder-patterns in the DNA and RNA electrophoresis, low cell viability and upregulation of the Metacaspase genes.

Statistical analyses are currently ongoing. These results revealed a novel function of iPT in regulating cell survival. Additionally, ozonide was identified as a novel treatment for microbial blooms with potential to benefit global health.

@ptbo_canada Claire Sehn, Ella Sehn and Isaiah Jalsevac are headed to Edmonton to compete in the Canada-Wide Science Fair after placing in the top three as the grand prize winners at the Peterborough Regional Science Fair. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sciencefair ♬ Science - ZydSounds

The top three are representing the Peterborough region at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton from May 23 to 30.

A full list of winners can be found online.

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Fleming College and St. Lawrence College Announce Merger

To ‘create a stronger institution with greater scale, broader access for students to programs and services and improved long-term financial sustainability,’ Fleming College and St. Lawrence College have announced a merger on Friday.

File Photo.

According to Fleming, this is a significant step toward building a larger, more capable institution that can expand access and strengthen long-term sustainability. As a result of the integration, the merger will create greater scale and capability and better align programs and capacity with regional labour market needs. This will allow students to benefit from expanded academic pathways, increased access to specialized programs, enhanced research opportunities and broader work-integrated learning experiences, stated Theresa Knott, Fleming interim president.

“This integration represents a forward-looking investment in our students and communities,” she said. “By bringing our strengths together, we are positioning ourselves to deliver more opportunities, more innovation, greater access, and a stronger foundation for the future across our combined regions and campuses.”

Both colleges have been working closely with the Ontario Government to ensure a smooth integration with minimum impacts on students and communities. Both Colleges assure that there are no planned changes to local brands, programs, campuses, services or student supports from this announcement.

“We are committed to ensuring that students have the tools, programs, and support they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy,” said Glenn Vollebregt, St. Lawrence College president and CEO. “This integration gives us the scale and capability to serve more students, offer more opportunity, and build a stronger institution for the long term.”

The boards of both Fleming College and St. Lawrence College have approved an integration framework agreement that outlines the steps toward full integration.

“As governors, our responsibility is to help ensure our institutions remain strong, relevant and sustainable for the students and each of the communities we serve,” said Don Gillespie, Fleming Board Chair. “This integration process reflects a thoughtful, long-term approach to building greater capacity, expanding opportunities, and protecting the strength of college education across our region.”

“This is an important step toward creating a stronger future for students, employers and communities across eastern Ontario,” said Julie Caffin, St. Lawrence College Chair of the Board of Governors. “By bringing together the complementary strengths of our two institutions, we have an opportunity to build a more resilient college that can respond to changing needs while preserving our commitment to student success and community impact.”

The new college will have a single management team. Vollebregt will serve as the initial President and CEO and Knott will serve as the initial Associate President and Chief Academic Officer of the New College.

Both colleges have stated that the integration will proceed through the next phase of implementation, which includes detailed due diligence, operational planning, and community engagement. These steps will be undertaken under board oversight and in line with provincial requirements, with further updates to be shared as more information becomes available.

Fleming College has campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton and Cobourg. St. Lawrence College operates in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.

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City to Remind Residents to Review School Support Designation For Municipal and School Board Elections

Residents are reminded to review or update their school support designation ahead of the 2026 municipal and school board elections. 

Photo courtesy of Register to Vote.

Homeowners and tenants have until June 1 to confirm their designation through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to ensure their information is accurate on the voters’ list. 

The designation determines which school board trustee candidates appear on a voter’s ballot. 

In Peterborough, voters can support trustees for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board or Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. 

If no designation is selected, school support defaults to the English public system. The designation does not affect property taxes but is used to determine which candidates a voter can select for school board representation during the municipal election. It applies to both property owners and tenants, regardless of whether they have children enrolled in school.

Voter information maintained by Elections Ontario, along with school support data from MPAC, is used to help compile the preliminary list of electors for the municipal and school board elections. 

Residents can update their designation online or download the Application for Direction of School Support form through the MPAC website at mpac.ca/SchoolSupportDesignation.

The nomination period, during which papers may be submitted to become a candidate, runs from May 1 until Aug. 21, at 2 p.m., in accordance with provincial legislation. Additional information about eligibility requirements, nomination forms and key election dates is available at peterboroughvotes.ca.  

Residents, property owners and tenants in the City of Peterborough who are Canadian citizens and at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote.  

Students living in Peterborough while attending school can vote in the Peterborough municipal election as well as in their home municipality.  

Those experiencing homelessness, or without a permanent home or a fixed address, can still vote. 

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Fleming College Students' Exhibition Open At Peterborough Museum & Archives

Students from Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship (MMC) post-graduate program have a new temporary exhibition, ‘We Wear Many Hats,’ open at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.  

Photcourtesy of the City of Peterborough.

It explores the social and cultural significance of headwear, examining how hats subtly communicate identity, belonging, and social roles, while highlighting the evolving place of headwear in Peterborough’s history. Through objects, stories, and design, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how something as familiar as a hat can carry personal and collective meaning.

"We Wear Many Hats” is the culminating project of the MMC program, bringing together two semesters of research, planning and hands-on exhibit development.

This temporary exhibit is for all ages and is on display until June 14.

An official opening featuring speeches and refreshments takes place on April 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s been such a great hands-on experience learning how to build an exhibit,” says Erin Ralph, a student enrolled in the program. “Every step of the project has been a valuable experience that I can’t wait to use in my future career.” 

Admission to the exhibit is by donation.  

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Fleming College Launches New Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Specialization Course For Professionals

With increasing demand for early years programming and childhood educators across the province, Fleming College Continuing Education has launched its Early Childhood Education (ECE) Leadership Development specialization for professionals, beginning in May.

Ontario’s Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare system aims to expand and create 86,000 new licensed childcare spaces. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The online program supports the transition of frontline educators into supervisor and administrator roles without stepping away from the early learning service centres that need them, according to the College.

“Fleming College has a long-standing reputation for excellence in ECE training,” says Nick Stone, Associate Vice President of the School of Health and Community Services. “We are continuing that legacy with this leadership development specialization, providing the childcare and early years sector with the expertise to lead it.”

Eligible applicants can qualify for financial support through the Ontario ECE Leadership Grant Program. Funding applications are accepted starting April 13.

Built on Fleming’s well-established two-year ECE diploma program, this new professional specialization allows educators to gain advanced skills in communication strategies, advocacy and professionalism, management and staff development, marketing, financial planning and adapting curriculum practices according to the school.

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Grade 5 Student Can Take Charge of Peterborough Police Service With 'Chief For a Day' Contest

The Peterborough Police Service is allowing a Grade 5 student in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to lead them in their ‘Chief For A Day’ program, which returns for 2026, announced on Tuesday.

Izzy Condon from Kaawaate East City Public School was last year’s winner of the ‘Chief for a Day’ contest. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The contest is an opportunity for Grade 5 students to experience a day as Police Chief for the Peterborough Police Service.

Contest Details:              

• Who Can Enter: Students in Grade 5 at a school in the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Township of Cavan-Monaghan for the 2025/2026 school year

• Essay Topic: If you were Chief for a day, what would you do?

• Word Limit: 300-500 words

• Deadline: March 25, 2026

The week of April 7 to 10, the authors of the top five essays will be asked to attend the Peterborough Police Station and read their winning essays before a panel of judges, including Chief Betts. 

Prize:

• Serve as Police Chief for a Day on May 19.  You will be fitted with a full Peterborough Police Service Uniform and experience a day in the life of our Police Chief, including being sworn in, meeting the officers and different units, as well as presenting your essay to the Peterborough Police Service Board at their regular meeting. Further opportunity to attend the Community Open House at the Police Station on June 6.

How to Enter:

1. Write your essay: Be creative and thoughtful and be sure to include specific ideas.

2. Submit your essay: Send your completed essay to chiefofpoliceoffice@peterborough.ca Please include your full name, the name of your school, the city the school is in and the school board the student attends. 

3. Deadline: March 25

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Provincial Government Launches Classroom Supplies Fund of $750 For Elementary School Teachers and Students

The Ontario Government has launched the Classroom Supplies Fund, providing $750 to elementary school homeroom teachers for classroom supplies starting this September, announced at Highfield Junior School in Etobicoke on Wednesday morning.

Screenshot.

The fund is part of the province’s 2026 budget and teachers will access it through a Classroom Supplies Card. It helps teachers have classroom materials without paying up front for them according to Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“Our government is making record investments so that our students have the support and supplies they need to succeed and grow in school,” he said. “The new $750 Classroom Supplies Card will give teachers across the province access to the resources they need, without forcing them to cover the costs themselves or wait to be reimbursed. It’s just one of the ways we are supporting our students and teachers while ensuring Ontario’s education system is focused on student success.”

Homeroom teachers can access the funding through a new provincial website. It allows them to order classroom supplies directly, with materials delivered to their schools. The Classroom Supplies Card directs teachers to the website and includes instructions for accessing it. According to the provincial government, the website will offer a grade-by-grade selection of commonly used classroom items, including writing supplies, notebooks, calculators, chalk, arts-and-crafts materials, tissues and paper towels.

This process allows elementary teachers to order the necessary supplies without paying up front and waiting for reimbursement, according to Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.

“Our government continues to make record investments to build an effective and strong education system. We are committed to protecting student learning and ensuring teachers have the support they need for every student to thrive,” he said. “We will continue to strengthen accountability across the system and ensure that every investment is focused on student success and reaches the classroom where it matters most.”

Providing a card also allows teachers to directly access funding rather than the chance of not seeing the money that school boards distribute to teachers said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.

“We know that many teachers have been paying out of pocket for supplies. That isn’t fair for teachers or students,” he said. “While school boards receive funding for classroom resources, we have not always seen those dollars consistently reach every classroom. That is why we are putting funds directly in the hands of teachers to ensure their classrooms are equipped to support student achievement.”

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YWCA Accepting Applications For the 2026 Hazel Education Bursary

The YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hazel Education Bursary.

photo courtesy of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, facebook.

YWCA Hazel Education Bursary is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse. Hazel was a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. Hazel passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer. Soon afterwards an education fund was created by friends and admirers to honour her legacy.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board of Directors, through the Education Awards Committee, and with donations from the community, offers bursaries between $500 and $2,500 to women who:

• have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• seek to further their education or develop skills

Applications for the Hazel bursary can be submitted online before 4 p.m. on May 1.

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Fleming Phoenix Rookie Student Athlete Receives Provincial Recognition

Fleming Phoenix’s Nathan Walters-Sundararajah of the varsity men’s basketball team was named a member of the Men’s Basketball East Division All-Rookie team by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) last Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

He was one of five student-athletes to receive the honour.

Walters-Sundararajah is from Toronto and is in Fleming’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician program. In his first season with the Phoenix, Walters-Sundararajah logged 245 minutes of playing time in 16 games this season, earning six starts and 128 points over the course of the season.

According to Fleming, Walters-Sundararajah’s coaches rave about his immediate impact on the court, getting the ball up the floor quickly and drawing attention from the defence with his ability to get to the key. He also has an innate ability to draw fouls and create opportunities for his teammates.

Walters-Sundararajah’s efforts helped the Phoenix men’s basketball team secure a playoff spot this season.

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