Scholars seek solutions to issues of importance to Canadians
MONTREAL, May 15, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation proudly announced today the names of the 15 recipients of the 2012 Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, the most prestigious doctoral award of its kind in Canada. The scholarship supports brilliant social sciences and humanities doctoral students who are focused on researching and sharing innovative ideas that will help solve issues of critical importance to Canadians.
In addition to a generous $60,000 grant (given annually for a three-year period), the 15 Trudeau scholars will benefit from the shared expertise and knowledge of the Trudeau fellows and mentors. This outstanding intergenerational and interdisciplinary group of recognized Canadian academic and non-academic leaders interacts regularly with the Trudeau scholars one-on-one, as well as through public policy networks, and at public forums hosted by the Foundation throughout the year.
"This group of students demonstrates a remarkable engagement and an immense curiosity for the current state of the world," says Foundation President P.G. Forest. "The Trudeau scholarship will enable them to act upon their lively interest."
The 2012 Trudeau scholars are:
- Nathan Andrews (Political Science, University of Alberta): Nathan is a student from Ghana who is analyzing the impact of mining on the people of his country.
- Sara Angel (Art History, University of Toronto): Sara is examining how new communications technologies can help museums stay relevant and popular.
- Gabrielle Bardall (Political Science, Université de Montréal): Gabrielle is an American student studying electoral violence in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.
- Megan Daniels (Archaeology, Stanford University): Megan is analyzing how ancient Mediterranean civilizations used religion to mediate the complexities of cross-cultural interaction.
- Kerri Froc (Law, Queen's University): Kerri argues that untapped provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom can be used to address contemporary issues in women's rights, such as the under-representation of women in Parliament.
- Matthew Gordner (Political Science, University of Toronto): Matthew is studying events such as the "Arab Spring" to better understand how Islamic intellectual and political thought has addressed democracy since 1928.
- Steven Hoffman (Health Policy, Harvard University): Steven wishes to leverage Canadian innovations in public health to help resolve health and security issues on the international scene.
- Lisa Kerr (Law, New York University): Lisa is rethinking current approaches to incarceration and justice, focusing on the quality of a prison sentence rather than on the length of time served.
- Florence Larocque (Political Science, Columbia University): Florence is studying the place of public utilities such as water supply and electricity in public policy - economic goods or social rights?
- Nehraz Mahmud (Anthropology, Memorial University of Newfoundland): Nehraz is focusing on the barriers to women's rights to property in Bangladesh.
- Michael Pal (Law, University of Toronto): Michael is interested in how election laws in Canada impact political parties and the exercise of democracy.
- Carla Suarez (Political Science, Dalhousie University): Carla is interested in how South-Sudanese youth protect themselves during civil war.
- Kerrie Thornhill (Geography and Environment, University of Oxford): Kerrie is assessing the effectiveness of social programs aimed at preventing violence towards women in post-war towns such as Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Monrovia, Liberia.
- Daniel Werb (Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of British Columbia): Daniel is seeking effective ways to prevent injection drug use among vulnerable populations such as Vancouver's street youth.
- Katrin Wittig (Political Science, Université de Montréal): Katrin is analyzing the transformation of rebel groups into political parties in the African Great Lakes Region.
The first meeting between the 2012 Trudeau Scholars and the Trudeau community will take place in Montebello, Que., from May 14-17 at a session also attended by current Trudeau Mentors, Fellows and Scholars. More information on each scholar is available on the Foundation's website.
About the Trudeau Scholarship
Up to fifteen scholarships are awarded each year to support doctoral candidates pursuing research of compelling present-day concern that touches on one or more of the Foundation's four key themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and people and their natural environment. Trudeau Scholars are highly gifted individuals who are actively engaged in their fields and who are poised to become national and international figures. Since 2003, the Foundation has awarded 143 Trudeau scholarships.
About the Trudeau Foundation
A Canadian institution with a national purpose, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is an independent and non-partisan charity. It was established in 2001 as a living memorial to the former prime minister by his family, friends, and colleagues. In 2002, with the unanimous support of the House of Commons, the Government of Canada endowed the Foundation with a donation of $125 million. In addition, the Foundation benefits from private sector donations in support of specific initiatives. Through its Scholarship, Fellowship, Mentorship, and Public Interaction Programs, the Foundation supports outstanding individuals who are making meaningful contributions to critical public issues. Learn more at www.trudeaufoundation.ca.
Source:
Elise Comtois
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
514-938-0001, ext. 224 | 514-466-1575
Media enquiries:
Mélanie Tardif
NATIONAL Public Relations
514-843-2060
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