February 28, 2025 - Laurentian University’s Research Excellence Award has been awarded to Dr. Tammy Gaber, Director and Associate Professor at the McEwen School of Architecture. Determined by a selection committee, this honour is given to a faculty member who has made outstanding and original contributions to their fields over the past five years, demonstrating academic leadership, securing external research funding, and advancing the university’s research reputation on national and international stages.
Dr. Gaber received the award at the closing ceremony of Research Week 2025. Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President, Research, congratulated Dr. Gaber on the achievement, "Dr. Gaber’s innovative research and dedication to student mentorship have made a profound impact on both students and the broader architectural community. Her work continues to elevate Laurentian’s research profile on a global stage, and we celebrate her well-earned recognition."
Her research has advanced architectural scholarship while providing mentorship to both undergraduate and graduate students, empowering the next generation of innovative designers and researchers.
“Research is a collaborative and transformative process, and I am grateful to my students, colleagues, and the Laurentian community for their support and engagement in pushing the boundaries of architectural knowledge,” said Dr. Gaber. “Being recognized for work that I am deeply passionate about is both an honour and a privilege."
In addition to receiving her award, Dr. Gaber will be recognized at an upcoming convocation ceremony and invited to speak at Research Week 2026 followed by a reception in her honour. To celebrate Dr. Gaber's Research Excellence Award, the McEwen School of Architecture Library will host a display of Dr. Gaber's publications, including her book, chapters, journal publications, and more.
The Laurentian University community recognizes Dr. Gaber’s achievement and looks forward to the continued impact of her research, scholarship, and teaching.
About Dr. Tammy Gaber
Dr. Gaber is widely recognized for her commitment to providing students with unique and transformative experiential learning opportunities through her research. As an acclaimed scholar and educator, her work has made significant contributions to architectural history, particularly in the study of sacred spaces and their impact on communities. As Director of the McEwen School of Architecture, her leadership has brought forward innovative curricular initiatives and unique experiential learning opportunities, solidifying the school's reputation for excellence.
Her research has been supported by several federally funded grants, including a 2022 award for her study of the sacred spaces designed by Modernist architects Alvar, Aino, and Elissa Aalto. Dr. Gaber's ground-breaking book, Beyond the Divide - A Century of Canadian Mosque Design, was a product of many years of research supported by SSHRC and other grants. Beyond the Divide received critical acclaim in many reputable journals, periodicals, a podcast, in the Globe and Mail and on television. Most recently, her book was awarded honourable mention for the Melva Dwyer Award that recognizes creators of exceptional reference or research tools relating to Canadian art and architecture.
Dr. Gaber’s most recent research project, Sacred Spaces: Community and Continuity in Aaltos’ Architecture, was recently showcased in a feature exhibit at the Alvar Aalto Museum in Jyvaskyla, Finland. The exhibit presented an in-depth exploration of 35 sacred spaces designed by the Aaltos over five decades, featuring detailed 3D drawings and historical research, offering a comprehensive understanding of these architectural works.