Jack Guthrie wins McNee Award

The McNee Award is an annual award that recognizes the achievements of a graduate student, who has been in the department of Medical Neuroscience for at least one year, with particular emphasis on research accomplishments. The award is funded by a generous gift from the McNee family in memory of Dr. Sidney McNee, a graduate of Dalhousie University Medical School, and Ms. Jeannette Lindsay McNeil.

The 2025 winner is Jack Guthrie, a PhD trainee in the Rafuse Lab. Jack’s research is investigating the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and their subsequent differentiation into motor neurons, which is presenting a new model to study ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Jack Guthrie, winner of the 2025 McNee Award

Jack says:

I feel very thankful and proud to receive the 2025 McNee Award from the Department of Medical Neuroscience. As a senior PhD student, research has been my primary focus for much of the past 5 years. While at times it can feel like I’m not making progress, awards like these really highlight the successes and hard work that has gone into this degree. I am extremely grateful for both the financial assistance, and for the recognition of the time and effort that I have put into my PhD.

Jack received a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry at Acadia University before starting his graduate studies at Dalhousie.

He has been involved in many BRC activities over the years, including Brain Fairs, Research Days and AMAP meetings. Jack has also served on the annual Brain Awareness Week organising committee.