Western Engineering News | April 11, 2012
Watch a video
of the award presentation.
Melissa Gordon feels she is one of the lucky ones. Every day her job puts her on the ground floor of life-changing research.
In her role as a research development consultant for Western’s Research Development and Services, she has the opportunity to support ideas in their infancy and watch them grow to impactful research.
“I want to do the very best job I can every time,” Gordon said. “I want to see a researcher successful.”
The Research Development and Services office assists faculty members and university administrators in gaining a competitive edge when it comes to external, internal, and international funding proposals. It is through Gordon’s support of the Faculty of Engineering that she was selected as the 2011 recipient of the Engineering Award of Recognition.
“I want people to know I do care about them and their research programs and I am humbled by the fact it seems they care about me too,” she said.
Gordon is driven by the understanding her efforts help researchers fulfill their potential.
“I imagine the impact the research might have one day … the opportunity they will be able to give students,” she said. “I hope I can help researchers tell that story.”
The world of funding and grants can be tough and often under tight deadlines – challenges of the job Gordon faces with a smile. She tries to be supportive and encouraging, often going beyond her job description to ensure success for the researcher.
“Melissa exhibits the highest standards of quality, ethics and competence. She is very hardworking, dependable and makes herself available to everybody – that shows her commitment to service,” Ajay Ray, professor and chair of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, said in his nomination letter.
Gordon has provided “unprecedented support” to faculty members for several research programs, such as the Early Research Awards, Canada Foundation for Innovation – Leader’s Opportunity Fund, etc.
“The success of these major research proposals is in part due to the support, insights and attention to details that Melissa provided,” he notes. “Melissa has been a tremendous mentor for many young/new faculty members. [She] promotes leadership and personal growth in different ways.”
Gordon was humbled by the words of recognition from faculty members she has worked with. She credits her supportive work environment and family for her personal success.
“It was very kind of them,” she said of the award recognition. “I love working with the researchers. ... I don’t know if I would do things any other way.”
Each year the Faculty presents Engineering Award(s) of Recognition to individuals (or teams) who have made an exceptional contribution in the past year to help further the academic, research and innovation, public service and/or administrative missions of the Faculty. These awards can be given to a faculty or staff member or an individual who is not an employee of Western Engineering. Gordon will be presented with the award at the Annual Faculty & Staff Awards Banquet, to be held Thursday, May 17 at Great Hall, Somerville House. For more information, please contact Sue Chapman.
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