Roya Haghiri-Vijeh, professor in York University’s School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health, has received the 2025 Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN) Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions by faculty, students and researchers across Ontario.
In its announcement, COUPN described Haghiri-Vijeh as “an outstanding educator” whose teaching is shaped by her background in community health nursing and dedication to student well-being. Her emphasis on intersectionality and humility, the council noted, encourages empathy and advocacy among students and has inspired many to explore research in her areas of focus.
“I am beyond speechless for their kind words and nomination,” says Haghiri-Vijeh. “As I learn, unlearn and relearn, I am reminded of and appreciate all of my mentors, educators, colleagues and students who have supported me and are in this important nursing profession with me.”
Haghiri-Vijeh’s teaching aligns with her research, which centres on historically underserved communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+ migrants, immigrant and refugee populations and older adults. Her work delves into gender-affirming care and fair access to health services, using approaches that focus on understanding people’s lived and living experiences.
Beyond the classroom, she contributes to national and international conversations on health equity. She is affiliated with York’s Centre for Refugee Studies and the Centre for Aging Research and Education and is an active member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s Rainbow Nursing Interest Group. Recent initiatives include developing online gender-affirming resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and launching an Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario scholarship for nursing students who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ migrants.
She also recently participated in a panel at the second Global Conference on Sexual Health, Reproductive Rights & Gender Equity for Refugees and Newcomers. The session, “Ensuring Rights, Dignity, and Access: SRHR Challenges and Solutions for Refugees and Newcomers,” addressed key barriers to sexual and reproductive health-care access for displaced populations in Canada and globally.
Haghiri-Vijeh sees the COUPN award as a reason and motivation to continue advancing her work. “With this award, I am reminded of challenging myself every day by questioning systemic and social structures, biases, discrimination and finding avenues to work with and advocate for equity-deserving communities,” she says.
Haghiri-Vijeh is the second York faculty member in as many years to receive the COUPN Excellence in Teaching Award, following Archana Paul in 2024.