An accomplished Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) instructor and leader, widely known for his expertise in genetics and molecular biology, is being recognized for his remarkable contributions to applied research, academic mentorship and community partnerships.
Dr. Paul Adams, a KPU biology instructor and Director of the Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) at KPU, has received a Distinguished Scholarship Award. Adams was honoured by the university during June convocation ceremonies at KPU Surrey.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award. The success I have been able to achieve at KPU is truly a reflection of the many amazing and supportive people here. I am especially grateful to mentors like Dr. Deborah Henderson, who helped guide me in building research at KPU, and to forward-thinking leaders like Dr. Alan Davis, Dr. Diane Purvey, Dr. Deepak Gupta, Dr. Amit Shukla, Dr. Brett Favaro, and the many staff in the Office of Research Services and the Faculty of Science Dean’s office who have created an environment where research can thrive,” says Adams, who is also the Sherman Jen Research Chair in Applied Genomics and a B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation ambassador.
“The growth of the AGC would not have been possible without the dedication of faculty like Dr. Mathias Schuetz, research staff Lyndsey Baillie and Garrett McCarthy, and the many other faculty, staff and students who have been the backbone of our work. I share this recognition with all of them.”
Adams received his PhD in neuroscience from the University of B.C. in 2010, completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the field of genetics for over 20 years. His expertise is in genomics, genotyping, metagenomics, quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing, DNA profiling, molecular biology, cell biology and human neurological disease.
Since joining KPU in 2014, Adams has made immense contributions to research and innovation and has played a pivotal role in building applied research capacity within the Faculty of Science. He founded and scaled up the AGC, overseeing the creation of its two research laboratories equipped with cutting-edge genomics and metabolomics tools.
As Director of the AGC, Adams has nurtured over 70 partnerships and secured over $10 million in research funding — firmly establishing the AGC as a hub for innovation, industry collaboration and applied research addressing challenges in agriculture, climate change and public health. Hundreds of KPU students and faculty have since benefited from the research and scholarship opportunities through the AGC.
“The success of the AGC is a testament to what is possible when a university invests in applied research that serves, faculty, students and the broader community. Our vision at the AGC has always been to create a centre where students can gain real-world research experience while helping industry partners solve practical challenges,” says Adams.
“A key part of our success has been the large and growing involvement of KPU faculty, who play a central role in driving research innovation and mentoring students. I’m proud that the AGC has built strong partnerships across sectors, expanded KPU’s research capacity, and provided opportunities for faculty and students enrich their careers in science, innovation and community engagement. The impact we’ve made is not just in research outcomes, but in helping KPU show how a teaching-focused university can lead meaningful, applied research with lasting community benefits.”
A respected instructor and a valued colleague, Adams strives to create an inclusive and engaging environment for teaching and learning and is eager to share his knowledge with others, having presented at major forums and regularly sharing the impact of his research with the public through the news media.
“Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our research programs, strengthening industry collaborations, and creating even more opportunities for students and faculty to be part of innovative, community-driven research,” says Adams.
Dr. Deepak Gupta, Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation at KPU, says Adams has made a significant mark on the KPU community for his research and innovation endeavours.
“I’ve had the honour of working with Dr. Paul Adams since joining KPU. Paul has taken a very thoughtful, inclusive, collaborative and student-centred approach to his work. In just a few years, under his visionary leadership, the Applied Genomics Centre has attained a national reputation. He has consistently exceeded expectations. He is a stellar role model for faculty research at KPU, and has demonstrated what is possible at KPU.”
