Awards & Recognition
Dr. Shaffer is the recipient of competitive awards and recognition from provincial, national, and international organizations, including over $125,000 in merit-based funding.
Major Awards and Distinctions
Christopher Webster Early Career Award
International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services (2021)
Awarded for significant early career contributions to the forensic mental health field
Dissertation Award (First Place)
American Psychological Association, Division 41 (American Psychology-Law Society) (2021)
Top-ranked doctoral dissertation in psychology and law
Certificate of Academic Excellence (Doctoral Thesis)
Canadian Psychological Association
Distinguished Dissertation Award (Nominee)
Canadian Association for Graduate Studies/ProQuest (2021)
Nomination recognizing one of the top Ph.D. dissertations in Canada across the social sciences, humanities, and fine arts
Government and Professional Recognition
Recognition for Outstanding Partnership and Leadership in the Fight Against Money Laundering
Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (2025)
Recognition for Dedicated Service to the Society
Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (2025)
Certificate of Appreciation
Government of Canada – Cullen Commission Inquiry (2022)
Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships
Doctoral Fellowship
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) (2015)
Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canadian Graduate Scholarship
SSHRC (2013)
IODE Seaman Morley Scott Memorial Scholarship (2019)
Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation of Canada Graduate Scholarship (2017)
M.D. Angus and Associates Graduate Fellowship (2016)
Selected Additional Distinctions
Doctoral Graduate Fellowship
Simon Fraser University (2015, 2020)
Golden Key International Honour Society
Membership (2017)
Psi-Chi International Honours Society in Psychology
Membership (2009)
Dr. Catherine Shaffer 