Jennifer Burton: 2025 Alumni of Distinction

Jennifer Burton is a dedicated researcher and teacher who is committed to improving healthcare in Canada and abroad.

A 2002 graduate of Mohawk College’s Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program, she is now a professor and coordinator in the same program within the Medical Imaging department and is registered with both Sonography Canada and the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario.

For ten years, Jennifer has travelled to Guyana to participate in an intensive training project, and in 2020 became the co-director of the formal Post-Graduate Ecocardiography diploma program led by the University of Calgary, training physicians and technologists to perform and interpret cardiac sonography tests. Her commitment to improving echocardiography in Guyana led to Mohawk College being awarded the prestigious 2025 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES) by the Rideau Hall Foundation in 2024—the first year colleges were eligible for the program.

Mohawk’s QES project aims to build healthcare capacity in the critically under-resourced field of pediatric echocardiography in Guyana, where currently there are no cardiac sonographers trained in pediatric sonography. 

Thanks to Jennifer’s work, Mohawk is also a leader in simulation-based healthcare training through a BabyWorks simulator, a high-fidelity ultrasound simulation infant mannequin that employs 3D models of vital organs such as the heart and brain, allowing students to practice ultrasound transducer placement and maneuvers to examine pediatric organs in a risk-free environment—a first of its kind in a college environment.

In 2022, Jennifer was the recipient of the inaugural Distinguished Sonographer of the Year Award by the Canadian Society of Echocardiography. 

Hear from Jennifer as she shares her career journey: Watch the video on YouTube. 

2026 Alumni of Distinction Award Nominations now open

You know this Mohawk grad. They are a leader in their field. They're making an impact in their community. Their innovative or creative achievements have been previously acknowledged.

Nominate that incredible Mohawk graduate in your life.

The Alumni of Distinction awards recognize graduates for their career achievements and community contributions that are an exceptional source of inspiration for future generations.

Do you know an incredible Mohawk College graduate like Jennifer? Start your 2026 Alumni of Distinction Nomination today!