Pictured left to right: Daniel Lysak, Emma Lecavalier (supplied images) and Michael Beavais (credit: Anthony Papetti)

Recent University of Toronto alumni Michael Beauvais, Emma Lecavalier and Daniel Lysak have received the 2025-26 Governor General’s Gold Medal in recognition of academic excellence at the graduate level. The medal, awarded each year to three U of T graduating students determined to have the highest academic standing, is one of the most prestigious honours reserved for graduate students in Canada. Candidates are evaluated based on their performance in degree courses, the merit of their thesis and its defense, and the originality and importance of their research.

2025–26 Governor General’s Gold Medal Winners

Michael J. S. Beauvais
SJD 2025, Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law

Dr. Michael Beauvais is a Max Weber Postdoctoral Fellow at the European University Institute and a recent graduate of the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program at the University of Toronto. His dissertation, Transparent Youth, engaged legal scholarship, media and surveillance studies, and developmental psychology, with his research and expertise already making an impact at the policy level in North America. Beauvais has co-authored over 20 peer‑reviewed publications and contributed to three book chapters. He was awarded a SSHRC Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral in 2022. Prior to his direct entry into the doctoral program at U of T, Dr. Beauvais earned degrees from McGill University, University College London, and the University of Oxford.

Emma Lecavalier
PhD 2025, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Science

Dr. Emma Lecavalier is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Oxford Climate Policy Hub, University of Oxford, and a recent PhD graduate in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Her thesis, Technologies of Orchestration: Defining and Designing Urban Decarbonization through the Cities Race to Zero, examines urban climate governance and is already viewed as key scholarship in both urban climate and global governance. Lecavalier has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals alongside numerous book chapters and policy reports. A Vanier Scholar and SSHRC Doctoral Fellow, she has received multiple awards and scholarships in recognition of her research and stellar academic record. Before attending U of T, Dr. Lecavalier earned degrees from the University of Oxford and Western University.

Daniel Henryk Lysak
PhD 2025, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science

Dr. Daniel Lysak is a Senior Research Associate and Environmental NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Centre Manager at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where he also completed a PhD in Environmental Chemistry and an Honours Bachelor of Science, both with a perfect GPA. His thesis, Towards Multiplexed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for Environmental Analysis, and research include novel analytical approaches to key environmental concerns that continue to have impact across his field. Lysak has authored over 30 publications and received more than 20 academic awards during his PhD including the Banting Fellowship. An advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the lab, Dr. Lysak received the American Chemical Society Award for Excellence in fostering Inclusion and Belonging and a U of T Student Leadership Award.

About the Governor General’s Academic Medal

Created in 1873, the Academic Medals are presented on behalf of the Governor General by participating educational institutions, along with personalized certificates signed by the Governor General. 

Read more about the Governor General’s Academic Medal.