TRU has awarded three $17,500 federal entrance scholarships to outstanding graduate students.
The Canadian Graduate Scholarships – Masters are valued at $17,500 annually for one year, and were awarded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
This marks the first time since the launch of the harmonized CGS-M program in 2013 that TRU has been eligible to offer the awards, and marks a significant federal investment in TRU’s graduate students and a validation of its graduate programming.
> Read: TRU to offer graduate entrance scholarships, InsideTRU, May 27, 2016
Jackson Baron, Master of Science, NSERC, Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship
Hometown: Rossland, BC
Undergraduate degree: Thompson Rivers University, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Geography and Environmental Studies, Minor in Computing Science, 2017
Why did you decide to go to grad school at TRU? I’ve got a background in remote sensing, and more recently in machine learning and invasive species management. The work I have already done has led to several interesting research questions I wish to pursue with Dr. David Hill, as well as with a handful of other professors here at TRU.
What will you be researching? I’ll be using remote sensing and machine learning methods to identify, detect and map invasive plant species. By using relatively inexpensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the goal is to establish a way to distinguish specific invasive plants from the other vegetation on the landscape.
How does winning this award impact your life as a grad student? As a person who returned to university from the workforce, the assets I’ve accumulated over the years (home/mortgage, vehicles, etc.) has prevented me from getting student loans. My education has been financed entirely through savings, work, and a now an over-burdened line of credit, so this award is actually an integral part of my being financially able to attend grad school at all.
Dominique Hazel, Master of Science, SSHRC, Joseph-Armand Bombardier Scholarship
Hometown: I moved to Kamloops after fourth grade, so I consider this to be my hometown
Undergraduate degree: Thompson Rivers University, Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree with a concentration in festivals and events, 2016
Why did you decide to go to grad school at TRU? I decided to go to graduate school because I really wanted to expand my learning and challenge myself in a new way. I knew it would be difficult but that the hard work would pay off. I decided to stay at TRU because of the strong network I have created here with students and faculty, and because the program allows me to pursue a research interest of my own, which is very rewarding.
What will you be researching? My graduate research focus is on the sustainability of music festivals, environmentally, economically and socio-culturally, more specifically, identifying barriers and incentives to change in British Columbia.
How does winning this award impact your life as a grad student? The award lets me explore my research interest with confidence, and takes away the added stress of financial pressures as a student. It means I can really focus my time and energy into my work at TRU.
Kelsey Boule, Master of Science, CIHR, Joseph-Armand Bombardier Scholarship
Hometown: Cloverdale, BC
Undergraduate degree: Thompson Rivers University, Bachelor of Tourism Management, 2015
Why did you decide to go to grad school at TRU? During my undergrad degree at TRU I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to conduct my own research project that gave me a glimpse of what writing a thesis would be like, and it felt right to continue my research at the institute it started in. As well, it is an honour to work with Dr. Courtney Mason who has provided me with guidance and some incredible challenges as my supervisor. I was not expecting to return to school so quickly, but the opportunities available at TRU for personal growth in both knowledge and experience made the decision easy.
What is your graduate research focus? I have two projects I am currently working on. They are entitled “Barriers to Physical Activity and Health for Urban Indigenous Communities: A Young Women’s Perspective,” and, “The ethical issues of sport and conservation hunting: Investigating economic viability, sustainability, and environmental practices in British Columbia Canada.”
How does winning this award impact your life as a graduate student? This award is truly an incredible honour, and it allows me to focus on my research with the funds supporting my project and education goals, and its prestige will aid in advancing my academic and career ambitions.
