A professor in the UWindsor Department of Biological Sciences is the recipient of the 2018 David Kelly Award for Community Service in support of the brain tumour community in Canada.

Lisa Porter received the award at the 2018 Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada National Conference, held on October 19.

“We are all very proud of the award Dr. Porter has received,” said dean of science Chris Houser. “Her dedication and passion continue to be a positive influence on both the Faculty of Science and the University of Windsor.”

The award, named in honour of an advocate for the fight against brain tumours, is awarded annually to an individual who exemplifies and demonstrates extraordinary support to the brain tumour community in Canada.

Porter has dedicated her time, energy, and passion to better support the brain tumour community.

“The community is an important part of our research team,” says Porter. “Patients and caregivers motivate us to keep pushing research forward and are often actively engaged in specific research projects. Students are the energy and hope for tomorrow and our community partners help ensure we have the funding and support necessary to do research. Together we can tackle these tough diseases.”

Porter is a principal investigator on projects into the condition, and her research lab focuses on the study of cancer-related proteins and their role in the development of tumours.

Her contributions to the brain tumour community can be felt by many across Canada — from clinicians and fellow researchers, to students and patients, as well as families and the local community.

Susan Marshall, CEO of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, says the “power of hope” made Porter the perfect recipient.

“She believes that great discoveries require many minds and that elevating the work of others will benefit the brain tumour community,” says Marshall. “Dr. Porter's dedication to her work, her students and to the brain tumour community inspires us all.”

—Darko Milenkovic