December 19, 2007

McMaster students win RBC scholarship awards

Hamilton, ON -   Three McMaster University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement through a scholarship program that provides much-welcomed financial aid and, for the gold prize winners, a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.

Nine students in all were awarded the 2007 RBC Undergraduate Scholarship awards, which included three gold prizes, worth $5,000 each, three silver and three bronze scholarships worth $3,000 and $2,000 each.

Janice Joo, a student in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster, received top honours. In addition to the financial prize, Joo has chosen a “Gatineau in the Fall” visual arts experience in which she will participate in a four-day Gatineau Park Photography Workshop in Ottawa with photographer and instructor Willie McElligott. While there, she will explore the elements of light, colour and composition during the peak of fall colour.

Amanda Thompson, who is working on a degree in Science, received the silver prize.  She plans to pursue a career in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals. Her goal is to improve the lives of Canadians “through the development of therapeutics”.

Stephanie Tom, who is pursuing an Arts & Science degree in biochemistry, received a bronze prize. She plans to work as a science researcher and is currently working on developing a handheld device that will help physicians quickly diagnose infectious diseases.

The scholarships were awarded to students based on their involvement in the community and essay questions relating to innovation and improvement in the fields of business, science or visual arts.

Master University, a world-renowned, research-intensive university, fosters a culture of innovation, and a commitment to discovery and learning in teaching, research and scholarship. Based in Hamilton, the University, one of only four Canadian universities to be listed on the Top 100 universities in the world, has a student population of more than 23,000, and an alumni population of more than 130,000 in 128 countries.