Celebrating Research Excellence - 2022/23 OCAD University Research Award Recipients

The Faculty of Design is proud to announce the well-deserved recipients of the OCADU Awards for Distinguished Research, Scholarship and Creative and Activity and Early Stage Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity.

Each year, OCAD University recognizes faculty members for their innovative contributions to research with the presentation of awards that celebrate distinguished and early-stage research activities.  The FoD would like to congratulate all faculty members who were nominated and who collectively continue to grow the depth and diversity of quality research at OCAD University.  We would also thank Stephen Foster and the review committee for their time and consideration.

The recipient of the 2022-23 OCAD University Award for Distinguished Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity is Dr. Nithikul Nimkulrat, Associate Professor, Faculty of Design. This award recognizes faculty members for their outstanding portfolio of research, scholarship and creative activity, and the impact that this activity has had on the broad spectrum of art and design research and practice internationally. The award also recognizes contributions toward undergraduate and graduate research and scholarly training.  

The recipient of the 2022-23 OCAD University Award for Excellence in Early-Stage Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity is Dr. Kathy Moscou, Assistant Professor, Interim Dean, Faculty of Design. This award recognizes promising, recently appointed faculty members for their outstanding promise to be distinguished researchers, scholars, artists and designers within a university context.  

OCAD University Award for Distinguished Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity - Dr. Nithikul Numkulrat. Dr. Nithikul Nimkulrat intertwines research with textile practice, focusing on experiential knowledge in craft processes in the context of design research. Dr. Nimkulrat is internationally recognized for her contribution to craft research through her extensive publication and exhibition record. Additionally, Dr. Nimkulrat has an impressive history of advising MA, MDes and PhD students and is regularly invited to act as an external Ph. examiner.

A pioneer in research-creation with a practice-led PhD from Aalto University, Finland (2009), Dr. Nimkulrat has published peer-reviewed publications that are widely cited, exhibited artworks created within her scholarly research and become a sought-after speaker, editor and expert on material practice and embodiment in the digital age. Dr. Nimkulrat’s ability to bridge theoretical and practical arenas of craft contributes significantly to the strong impact she has made on the international material art and design community.  

Dr. Nimkulrat has made an outstanding contribution to the international field of material art and design and is recognized as a leader in the field and is well deserving of this award. 

OCAD University Award for Excellence in Early Stage Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity - Dr. Kathy Moscou

Dr. Kathy Moscou’s experience is unique, connecting visual arts with equity-informed health policy. Dr. Moscou has established a strong interdisciplinary research portfolio in global health, food security and community-based approaches to public health with special focus on engagement with Indigenous communities, Black communities and women. She is an active speaker, scholar and a voice for policy change.  

Dr. Moscou is a member of the Solid Black Collective where she has taken on a mentorship role with generosity, grace and patience. She has been instrumental in leading the Solid Black Collective with successful research proposals amounting to over $100 000 in research funding in less than two years.

Dr. Moscou maintains an active art practice and has an extensive exhibition record. Her creative practice continues to draw on interactivity, mixed media, narrative, textiles, and texture with a focus on the Black community.  

Dr. Moscou has proven to be an excellent teacher, researcher, practitioner, mentor and administrator and an incredible asset to OCAD University in a very short time.

Best wishes and many thanks to all that were involved in the process!
FoD