Dr. Paul Bernard receives University Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision
UPEI held its annual Celebration of Colleagues on May 29, 2025, to recognize the achievements of faculty, librarians, clinical veterinary professionals, clinical nursing instructors, sessional instructors, and staff members. Over the coming weeks, UPEI Communications will include profiles of the winners of the University Awards of Excellence in editions of the Campus Connector.
Featured this week is Dr. Paul Bernard, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, who received the University Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision. This award recognizes outstanding mentorship, guidance, and support of graduate students. Dr. Bernard exemplifies these qualities through a deep and sustained commitment to fostering academic excellence, research achievement, and personal growth among his students.
Dr. Bernard has consistently demonstrated a passion for mentorship that goes far beyond what is expected. He inspires curiosity and excitement in the advancement of veterinary sciences and is deeply committed to developing not only his students’ technical skills but also their critical and creative thinking. His encouragement and belief in students’ potential have led them to take on bold and novel research questions—support that includes educating himself in new areas to better guide their learning.
A hallmark of his supervision is his encouragement of well-rounded academic development. He actively supports his graduate students in pursuing teaching opportunities, engaging in campus life, applying for awards and scholarships, attending conferences, and contributing to grant writing. His mentees have gone on to present at international conferences, publish in high-impact journals, win scholarships and awards, and build essential academic and professional skills.
Dr. Bernard’s passion for mentorship and teaching extends beyond graduate students to veterinary and undergraduate students. He has trained summer students who have gone on to publish their work in scientific journals and present their research projects at international conferences. His dedication has inspired students, who initially had no intention of pursuing graduate studies, to pursue a doctorate degree, citing Dr. Bernard’s passion for mentorship and research as the catalyst.
For his exceptional dedication, insight, and profound influence on his students’ academic and personal trajectories, Dr. Bernard is a most deserving recipient of the University Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision.
Congratulations, Dr. Bernard!
