NSAC Graduate Students Receive NSERC Scholarships

Three NSAC students are the recipients of prestigious graduate scholarships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). These scholarships are awarded to students pursing a master’s or doctoral degree.

“I am extremely proud of our research capacity here at NSAC and I am impressed with the drive and dedication of our researchers,” says NSAC Co-President and Vice President Academic Dr. Leslie MacLaren. “Our graduate students and faculty have strong visions of their future here at NSAC and for the future of the university. This vision bodes well not only for the university but for our students, who will have the opportunity to learn, hands-on, from those who are actually creating the knowledge. It’s what sets us apart as an institution and it’s what makes us successful.”

Two students were the recipients of Canada Graduate Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to the most outstanding eligible students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in any Canadian university.

Julie Bailey of Earltown received a Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS D) to pursue her doctoral degree valued at $35,000/year for up to three years. Julie will be continuing her research in farm energy conservation.

Katherine Rutherford of Truro, received a Canada Graduate Scholarship for her Master of Science degree at NSAC. These scholarships are valued at $17,500 for one year. Katherine is trying to find new ways to detect modified DNA in soybeans. Katherine is working under the supervision of Dr. Nancy McLean and Dr. Berni Benkel.

Daniel Gillis of Inverness, received a Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) to pursue his Master of Science degree at NSAC. These scholarships are valued at $17,300 for one year. Daniel is studying under Dr. Gordon Price in the area of innovative waste management. NSERC is a federal agency whose role is to make investments in people, discovery and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency invests in people by supporting some 23,000 university students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,000 university professors every year and make innovation happen by encouraging about 1,300 Canadian companies to invest in university research and training.

Over the last 10 years, NSERC has invested $6 billion in basic research, university-industry projects, and the training of Canada’s next generation of scientists and engineers.