Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to drive success through hands-on learning and innovative applied research. Exceptional faculty member contributions to teaching and applied research were celebrated during convocation celebrations through the presentation of the Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching and Applied Research Award of Excellence.
The awards acknowledge faculty members and researchers who go above and beyond in their commitment to excellence. A total of seven awards were presented this year.
“As a recognized leader in technical training and applied research, our success is driven by the dedication and excellence of our faculty and researchers,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “Across each of our campuses, Sask Polytech faculty foster inclusive, innovative learning environments where applied research is celebrated, diversity is embraced and all students are empowered to succeed. Congratulations to our talented and remarkable faculty award recipients—you inspire excellence every day.”
Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching 2025
Nicole Ferguson-Marshall, an instructor in the Early Childhood Education program at Saskatoon campus, was awarded the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. In addition to her work as an instructor, she served as liaison between the program and the Early Childhood Demonstration Centre. Through her unique role, Ferguson-Marshall developed thoughtfully designed lessons drawing on her personal connections which enabled community members to share their stories, answer questions and engage students in meaningful conversations. Students gained a deepened sense of community, and an inclusive mindset – two extremely important assets for those entering the early childhood education field.
Jada Fiissel, lead instructor for the Educational Assistant certificate program at Regina campus, received the Faculty Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching. She used intercultural communication in various learner settings to foster an environment where all students felt valued and respected. Fiissel’s commitment to inclusive education was evident in her efforts to provide diverse learning materials and design assignments for students to draw on their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. In addition to her work in the classroom, her collaboration with various school boards led to the placement of 30 students in the field for work-integrated learning experiences and practicums.
Shannon Iverson, a Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor at Saskatoon campus, was awarded the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. She leads fourth-year nursing students through community-based practice education and clinical placements in North Battleford. Iverson has built strong partnerships with local organizations in North Battleford to enrich student learning and integrate Truth and Reconciliation principles into nursing practice. Under her guidance, nursing students created health education initiatives supporting families affected by childhood diabetes. Iverson’s teaching inspired students to better understand the health challenges of underserved communities, leading them to advocate for initiatives like improved shower facilities in schools, food security and mindfulness programs for children.
Genelle Payant, a Business diploma instructor at Moose Jaw campus, received the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence for creating an engaging learning environment by tailoring learning strategies and assessments to ensure equitable access to course material. Inclusivity is a key consideration in human resources and was discussed frequently in course content. She exemplified its importance in the classroom by being respectful, accommodating and working with the accessibility team to support students. An active member of the board of directors for CPHR Saskatchewan, she was an integral part of aligning the Business diploma in Human Resources and the Business certificate with CPHR Saskatchewan accreditation standards.
Faculty Award for Innovations in Teaching 2025
Stacey Waters, a Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor at Saskatoon campus, received the Faculty Award for Innovations in Teaching for her use of technology to promote inclusive learning. Waters used collaborative classroom spaces equipped with touch screen monitors for concept mapping, incorporating QR codes within live presentations to encourage real-time engagement and gather anonymous feedback. By integrating these interactive elements, she ensured students not only absorbed the information but also applied their knowledge in a way to foster deeper understanding. Waters supported diverse learning needs and promoted accessibility by providing transcripts for all her asynchronous lectures and engaging students in hands-on learning in class. Her methods enhanced student learning through the integration of technology.
Applied Research Award of Excellence 2025
Leon Lipoth, research chair of the Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping lab at Saskatoon campus, received the Applied Research Award of Excellence. Lipoth fostered student engagement in the RAMP lab. He managed multiple National Research Council-funded projects by blending mentorship, innovation and collaboration—driving advancements in prototyping, design and manufacturing processes. Lipoth led inclusive and sustainable manufacturing projects, including designing a custom rowing seat for para-athlete Jacob Wasserman. He secured funding through industry connections, and his team's work reached the global stage when Wasserman competed at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Eileen Zaba, Psychiatric Nursing faculty at Saskatoon campus, received the Applied Research Award of Excellence for her dedication to Indigenous health and safety issues. Her combination of clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills ensured her research was grounded in the needs of the communities she served. Her approach empowers Indigenous communities by involving them directly in crisis preparedness and recovery efforts. Through Zaba’s work, Sask Polytech received the profound honour of becoming the keeper of the Talking Quilt, a cherished cultural artifact created by the women of James Smith Cree Nation. In addition to her mentorship of students, her support of new faculty members enhances the research capacity of her department and encourages a culture of academic excellence.
Congratulations to this year's Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching, Faculty Award for Innovations in Teaching and Applied Research Award of Excellence recipients. Sask Polytech is grateful for your contributions to student success and to the institution.