Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision Recipients
Congratulations to the 2025 recipient!
Dr. Jan Rainey
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Jan Rainey is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, with cross appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry. His research focuses on characterizing proteins at the atomic-level to understand their function, ways this is changed in pathological states, and to develop protein-based materials with new properties. Currently, his group primarily targets molecular understanding and enhancement of the behaviour of spider silks, fascinating protein-derived materials renowned for being both strong and flexible. Jan strives to maintain a vibrant, welcoming, and highly supportive research environment. Since starting at Dalhousie in 2006, Jan has mentored 17 doctoral and 10 masters students, including authoring 60 scientific publications with these students so far. Graduate alumni work in a wide variety of academic, industrial, healthcare, and government lab settings. Jan also greatly enjoys supporting graduate students more broadly, participating in numerous supervisory committees and thesis examinations, and has been the Departmental Graduate Coordinator.