Congratulations to Professor Craig Simmons (MIE), the 2010 recipient of the Faculty’s McCharles Prize for Early Career Research Distinction and the new McCharles Fellow. The McCharles Prize was originally established in 1907 by Aeneas McCharles through a gift to the Faculty. It has been re-established as an award for exceptional performance and distinction in early career research on the part of a pre-tenure member of the Faculty.

Craig Simmons holds a Canada Research Chair in Mechanobiology and has already established himself as a leader in this emerging field. The focus of his research is the development of new therapeutic strategies and technologies to regenerate diseased and damaged tissues, particularly in relation to heart valve disease. He was a lead researcher in the establishment of the Microfluidics Applications and Training in Cardiovascular Health program and the Centre for Microfluidic Systems in Chemistry and Biology. Among the other awards, Craig has received are an Early Researcher Award from the Government of Ontario in 2006 and the Faculty’s Early Career Teaching Award in 2009.

“In the short time since he began his academic career Craig has not only made remarkable contributions to research in his field, but established himself as a leader in his research community, an inspirational teacher and a devoted educator,” said Cristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “Young faculty members like Craig ensure that our Faculty will continue to be a world leader in education and research.”