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Vandervoort recognized

Tony Vandervoort, Western health sciences professor, received a surprise at the end of last week, as he learned he would be the recipient of an esteemed award for his research in the field of ageing.

Vandervoort has been conducting research at Western for 25 years, studying the benefits of exercise programs on the physical effects of aging. The Herbert A. de Vries Research Award he will receive comes from a large American organization representing educators in the physical and health fields.

“I’m delighted by it and a little bit humbled to be amongst a list of outstanding researchers who’ve received it in the past,” Vandervoort said. Recognition from an American organization for studies done at a Canadian university is an important factor for Vandervoort.

“When I accept this award, I’ll be acknowledging a large group of students and faculty, colleagues and administrators to whom I feel indebted for supporting our research over these past 25 years,” he said.

Vandervoort highlighted the supportive environment Western has for such research — specifically the team of graduate students who have conducted studies with him at the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging at Western.

“It’s like I’m accepting on behalf of the group,” he said humbly. He will be receiving the award in March of 2010.

—Allie Fonarev

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