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A strong relationship between a graduate student and their supervisor can play a vital role in the student’s academic growth and professional development. At Queen’s, a supervisor is a faculty member who advises, monitors, and mentors graduate students, helping to enhance their learning experience and foster high-quality research.

In recognition of the important role supervisors play in graduate education, the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA) annually presents the Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision to two faculty members. This year’s recipients are Kai Salomaa (Computing) and Susanne Soederberg (Global Development and Political Studies).

“We’re proud to celebrate the dedication and excellence exemplified by this year’s award recipients and nominees, whose commitment to graduate supervision sets an exceptional standard for graduate supervision at Queen’s,” says Fahim Quadir, Vice-Provost and Dean of the SGSPA. “Congratulations to Drs. Salomaa and Soederberg, and all nominees for their remarkable leadership, and enduring contributions to the academic and professional development of our graduate students.”

Learn more about this year’s award recipients:

Kai Salomaa

Dr. Salomaa earned his PhD from the University of Turku in 1989 and has been a professor in the School of Computing at Queen's since 2000. Over the course of his tenure, he has supervised 15 MSc and 14 PhD students, many of whom received prestigious academic awards or fellowships, including the Governor General Gold Medal, and have gone on to notable roles in academia and the private sector. As a member of the Formal Languages and Automata Theory Group, Dr. Salomaa conducts research related to the foundations of computer science, with a focus on formal languages and state complexity. With over 250 refereed publications, Professor Salomaa continues to provide influential academic contributions while mentoring the next generation of scholars.

The nomination materials describe Dr. Salomaa’s supervision style as exemplary, his work ethic as unmatched, and his dedication to students as steadfast. His mentorship is credited with instilling confidence, expertise, and independence, enabling students to excel in their fields. The testimonies highlight how his guidance has empowered graduates to become impactful scholars and professionals, making lasting contributions to research and innovation.

Susanne Soederberg

Dr. Soederberg is a professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Just and Inclusive Cities in the Department of Global Development Studies, with a cross-appointment to Political Studies. Over the past 21 years, she has supervised 30 MSc, 13 PhD, and six postdoctoral fellows at Queen’s. Her research explores a broad range of topics, including poverty, debt, and housing, through the lens of political economy, with attention to the global north/global south divide. Professor Soederberg is the author of several award-winning books, including Debtfare States and the Poverty Industry (2014) and Urban Displacements in Global Capitalism (2021). Her current book project investigates the socio-ecological dimensions of highway infrastructure and city logistics in Berlin and Toronto.

According to her supervisee , Dr. Soederberg is recognized for providing both intellectual and moral support to her students, taking initiative in their professional development and creating opportunities for advancement. She is portrayed as a passionate and engaging educator who consistently challenges students to push scholarly boundaries with curiosity and ambition.

���˴�Ƭ the Award

The Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence in advising, monitoring, and mentoring graduate students. Nominees are put forward through supporting letters from colleagues and current or former students, and recipients are distinguished by the quality of their supervision and their ability to equip students with the skills and resources needed to thrive as scholars and professionals. The award honours those supervisors who inspire students to expand scholarly boundaries, pursue academic and career goals, provide meaningful feedback and guidance, and foster a culture of supervisory excellence within their school or faculty and at Queen’s. Preference is given to faculty members who have provided sustained mentorship over many years.