KPE alum Patrick Jachyra is one of three graduate scholars to be awarded the prestigious University of Toronto Award of Excellence this year. The Awards of Excellence date back to 1921 and celebrate members of the University of Toronto community who have made rich and meaningful contributions to the University, the community and to the world.
Currently in his third year of doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Jachyra already has a long record of achievement and leadership. His PhD research at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute builds on his master’s training in Exercise Science from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and his experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It explores physical activity participation with adolescents diagnosed with ASD, and is aimed at improving activity participation and mitigating the health risks associated with physical inactivity.
“It is my honour and privilege to receive this award. It inspires me to continue to transcend disciplinary boundaries to conduct innovative research working with children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in an effort to enhance their health and well-being,” said Jachyra.
“I am indebted to the quality education and opportunities I received as an undergraduate and master’s student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. The opportunity to conduct two undergraduate theses really allowed me to explore the depth and breadth of research. The unwavering support of the faculty during my master's encouraged me to pursue a career as a scientist to explore a world of possibility for children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.”
Jachyra has received several prestigious awards, including funding support from the Autism Research Training Program supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship. He is the recipient of the Dean’s Student Leadership Award from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and a co-founder and board member of the Turning Point Children’s Therapy and Development Centre in Milton, Ont.
"Patrick is a tremendously gifted student, and I’m not surprised to see him awarded for his excellent and important work,” said Professor Michael Atkinson, Jachyra’s graduate supervisor at KPE. “He's been a standout since his undergraduate days in our Faculty, and he's one to watch in the health sciences".
Jachyra’s plans for the future include a joint post-doctoral training with Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen of the University of Cambridge, UK, and Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum of the University of Alberta to continue research into ways of enhancing the health and well-being of children and youth diagnosed with ASD.