Graduate students at Nova Scotia universities have been awarded scholarships to help them stay in the province to do research that could lead to new products and more opportunities.
More than 100 Dalhousie students were awarded provincially funded scholarships for 2015-16 to conduct research in areas like medical technology, magnetic materials, and the language abilities of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Several recipients are co-supervised by Dalhousie and Cape Breton universities.
“These scholarships help support graduate students who are committed to continuing their education and research here in Nova Scotia,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. “Not only will these scholarships help more students and young people build a life and career here in Nova Scotia, they will also help boost our economy as research turns into new products and more opportunities.”
Bonita Squires is the first candidate in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health Professions’ new Health PhD program and one of this year’s recipients.
“I believe the work I’m doing will help improve literacy education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and I wouldn’t be able to do the required research without this scholarship,” said Ms. Squires. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my research here in Nova Scotia and I hope to make a difference in the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing.”
Universities administer the graduate scholarship program using existing Canada Graduate Scholarship application processes and selection committees. Universities are encouraged to maximize funds by leveraging other available research funding to ensure as many students as possible benefit.
Recipients were selected based on their research potential, academic standing, and the link between their research and Nova Scotia’s priority areas like health and wellness, oceans and marine technology, information and communications technology, and life sciences.
Government is phasing in the graduate scholarship program over four years, at which time it will invest $3.7 million annually.
This program is part of government’s Make it Here initiative to connect young Nova Scotians with government programs for education and training, and entering the workforce. The Make It Here website is at http://makeithere.novascotia.ca/.
Source: Release
