Holly Mathias, a 2023 Scholar of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, received the University of Alberta’s Dean’s Gold Medal upon completing her PhD in Public Health in March 2026.

Her doctoral research focused on the experiences of family caregivers of people who use drugs in rural communities, at the intersection of public health, caregiving and family life.

This distinction recognizes the excellence of her doctoral work and her contributions to community-based research.

Holly Mathias is now continuing her work at the University of Alberta as an Assistant Professor of Family Science in the Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of ALES, where she pursues research on families, care, and emerging health and social issues.

To learn more about his achievement, click here.