‘Creating space for others’: USask scientist wins Women of Distinction Award
Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace (PhD) received the 2026 STEM Award from YWCA Saskatoon
By Chris PutnamA University of Saskatchewan (USask) water researcher has been honoured by YWCA Saskatoon for her vision, leadership and contributions to science.
Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace (PhD) received the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Award at the YWCA’s 44th annual Women of Distinction Awards on May 14.
Schuster-Wallace is the executive director of the Global Institute for Water Security and a faculty member in the College of Arts and Science’s Department of Geography and Planning. She was chosen for the award based on her contributions to research on water-related human health in rural, remote and marginalized communities, as well as her work creating opportunities for women and girls in science.
“I felt humbled—so many women are doing amazing things—but I also felt seen. I wasn’t expecting that emotional response,” said Schuster-Wallace.
“As I began to realize the gendered dimensions of water and the inherent inequities—who has access to drinking water, who faces the worst impacts from floods, droughts and wildfires, who is working and leading in water sectors and in water diplomacy efforts—I wanted this to be seen and addressed, through my research, through creating space for others and creating conversations.”
Several USask alumni were also recognized with 2026 Women of Distinction Awards: Jo Custead (BComm’75), Heather Adams (BComm’05), Jasmyn Albert (BEd’19), Kelly Johnson (BSN’96, MN’05), Kara Lackie (BSc[Kin]’09) and Leah Adelman (BSc[Kin]’14, BEd’15). USask was among the sponsors of this year’s awards.
In her research, Schuster-Wallace works to build climate resilience and more equitable and sustainable approaches to water resource management. She examines connections between social systems and the environment to build an understanding of water as part of a complex system affecting human health.
Schuster-Wallace is the founder of Women Plus Water, a conversation series and mentorship community that has reached thousands of people across more than 65 countries since 2018. In 2023, she was named a Water Shero by the Red Dot Foundation and was appointed a chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability.
In her remarks at the May 14 award ceremony, Schuster-Wallace described water as a powerful force for connecting people. She thanked the women in water-related fields who have been part of her journey and all those who support women in water.
The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize the contributions of extraordinary women in the Saskatoon community.