The Scotia Scholars Award provides financial support to research trainees with exceptional potential who are engaged in health research at participating Nova Scotia institutions. This award will support the growth, acquisition, and retention of highly skilled individuals who are advancing and translating knowledge in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, strengthening health care delivery systems, caring for vulnerable populations, and promoting better opportunities for future health and wellbeing. Funding for this award is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
$824,500
Funding
64
Students
9
Institutions
Project: An Analysis of the Use of Technology by Performance Art Communities in Adaptation to New Trends, Response to Pandemic and Change
Aggrey Agwata
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University)
Supervisor(s): Dr. April Mandrona
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00
Project: The EEG-Indexed Auditory Mismatch Negativity as a Biomarker to Predict Psychosis Onset
T-Jay Anderson
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Derek Fisher
RNS Funding Contribution: $15,000.00
Project: The Optimal Ultrafiltration Protocol in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: An Observational Cohort Study
Joel Bierer
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. David Horne
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Mental Health Disclosure and Symptom Types Impact on Stigma in the Workplace
Maddy Blazer
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Debra Oore
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,200.00
Project: Using Nature to Promote Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Mental Health in Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
Nicole Blinn
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Rebecca Spencer & Dr. Debbie Martin
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: The Normalization of Eating Disorders Among Female Distance Runners
Meaghan Boatsmith
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Charlene Weaving & Dr. Angela Kolen
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Value of Youth Serving Organizations to CBRM Youth and Communities
Samantha Bonnar
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Wayne McKay
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: Evaluation of the Association Between Social Well Being and Physical Function in a Population Based Sample of Prostate Cancer Survivors
Cassidy Bradley
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Gabriela Ilie
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00
Project: Pain Hypersensitivity in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Yvonne Brandelli
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Christine Chambers
RNS Funding Contribution: $30,000.00
Project: Determining the Mechanism of Novel Long Non-Coding RNA NRAD1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Justin Brown
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Paola Marcato
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Informing Physical Activity Guidelines for Knee Osteoarthritis
Aleksandra Budarick
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Rebecca Moyer
RNS Funding Contribution: $45,000.00
Project: Identifying Antiviral Drugs that Inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 Host Shut-Off Protein
Taylor Caddell
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Craig McCormick
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: How Does Children’s Spelling Support their Reading?
Emily Côté
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Helene Deacon
RNS Funding Contribution: $2,500.00
Project: A Combination Hyaluronic Acid-Collagen Fiber Scaffold for Tympanic Membrane Repair
Mireya Cervantes González
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. John Frampton
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00
Project: Understanding the Relationship Between Anxiety Sensitivity, Catastrophizing, and Physical Activity: A Think-Aloud and Intervention Study
Christopher DeWolfe
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sherry Stewart
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00
Project: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Clinicians’ experiences providing preventative care to men
Noah Doucette
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Lilla Roy
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: Disclosures of Physical and Emotional Harm in Nova Scotian Victim Impact Statements
Gena Dufour
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Veronica Stinson & Dr. Marguerite Ternes
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,200.00
Project: Discovering the Biotic and Abiotic Factors Influencing the Overwintering Success of Ixodes Scapularis Ticks in Nova Scotia
Amal El Nabbout
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Shelley Adamo
RNS Funding Contribution: $30,000.00
Project: Exploring student athletes understanding and management of exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms: A mixed methods approach
Hannah Ellis
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Jamieson
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Creating and Validating a Behavioural Measure of Exclusive Hebephilia
Martina Faitakis
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Skye Stephens
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,200.00
Project: Behavioural and Neural Effects of Prism Adaptation in Healthy Young Adults
Jordan Ferguson
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Anne Sophie Champod
RNS Funding Contribution: $12,000.00
Project: Development of a Canadian Nutrient Composition Database for Gluten-Free Foods
Samantha Fisher
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Jamieson
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Investigating the regulatory function of nuclear lipid droplets
Jason Foster
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Neale Ridgway
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Differential Effects of Cannabis Use on Inhibitory Control-Indexed Brain Function in Males and Females
Ashley Francis
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Derek Fisher
RNS Funding Contribution: $2,500.00
Project: This Does Not Define Me: Exploring how Memory Networks Contribute to Psychological Resilience and Well-Being among Sexual Minorities
Courtney Gosselin
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Diane Holmberg & Dr. Karen Blair
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Does Cannabis Reduce Anxiety? The impact of Approach Motivation as an Anxiolytic Mechanism
Amanda Gouthro
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Joseph Hayes
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Curriculum of Care: Investigating the Representation of Persons with Disabilities in Eastern Canadian Medical School Curriculum
Kate Graham
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Catherine (Katie) Aubrecht
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Bridging the Gap – Adaptive Equipment Loan Program in the Valley Region Research
Kimberly Halliday
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Michael Maguire
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: Uncovering the Proximate Mechanisms that the Parasitoid Wasp Cotesia Congregata Uses to Change the Physiology of Tobacco Hornworm Manduca Sexta
Ryan Herbison
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Shelley Adamo
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00
Project: How Attention and Emotional Responses to Relationship Stimuli Are Impacted by Attachment Type and Depression
Abigail Howard-Gosse
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Douglas Symons
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Examining the Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Relationship Uncertainty on Intimate Partner Cyber Aggression
Rebeka Howardson
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kathryn Bell
RNS Funding Contribution: $12,000.00
Project: Child and Parent Screen Media Use and Development Outcomes in a Sample of Nova Scotia Preschoolers
Alexa Johnson
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Université Sainte-Anne
Supervisor(s): Dr. Caroline Fitzpatrick
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00
Project: Mechanisms of Imagery-Based Practice: Probing the Role of Supplementary Motor Area in Effort Perception
Lee JungWoo
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Shaun Boe
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: The Association Between the Strength of Functional Connectivity Within the Default Mode Network and Salience Networks and Superior Memory Capability in Superagers Versus Typical Older Adults
Haley Keenan
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Erin Mazerolle
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Impact of Cultural Influences on Health: An Exploration of Maternal Food Taboos in Cambodia
Jocelyne Labonté (Bégin)
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kyly Whitfield
RNS Funding Contribution: $12,500.00
Project: Integrated Youth Mental Health Services: an Examination of Best Practices
Jenny Li
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Catherine (Katie) Aubrecht
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Canadian Military Spousal Experiences: Food Ways, Food Insecurity, and Identity
Catherine Littler
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Brady
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: The Cost of Healthy Eating: Investigating Diet Cost and Dietary Quality in Canada
Gabriella Luongo
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Catherine Mah
RNS Funding Contribution: *Honorary
Project: Investigating the Health Impacts of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis use
Rachael MacDonald-Spracklin
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kara Thompson
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: The Development of Flavoured Dairy Functional Food Products with Reduced Sugar Content and Added Milk Protein Fractions
Emily MacEachern
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Bohdan Luhovyy
RNS Funding Contribution: $12,500.00
Project: Impact of Late Night Smartphone Usage on the Mental Wellbeing of Adolescents
Silvia Marin-Dragu
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sandra Meier
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00
Project: Connecting Wounded Healers: Investigating the Effectiveness of a Digital Mindfulness Intervention for Healthcare Providers Experiencing Burn-Out
Hannah Markham
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kevin Kelloway
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,200.00
Project: Exercise for Anxiety and Depression: Predictors of Adherence and Dose-Response Relationship
Taylor McAulay
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Douglas Symons
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Returning to work after pregnancy loss
Taegen McPhee
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Stephanie Gilbert
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: The Effect of Health Coaching on Glycemic Control and Goal Success in Women with Diabetes in Pregnancy
Amy Mireault
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Shannan Grant
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Acculturative Stress and International Student Alcohol Use
Lydia Muyingo
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sherry Stewart & Dr. Simon Sherry
RNS Funding Contribution: *Honorary
Project: Cortical Thickness as a Predictor of Severe Mental Illness Onset in High Family Risk Offspring
Anna Nazarova
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Rudolf Uher
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00
Project: Proof-of-concept: Anaerobic SERS-based lateral flow assays for ultrasensitive diagnosis of infectious disease
Minh Ngoc Pham
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Xu Zhang
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: Prolonged Exposure Psychotherapy for Adverse Events in Early Phase Psychosis with Comorbid Substance Misuse
Victoria Patterson
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Alissa Pencer & Dr. Philip Tibbo
RNS Funding Contribution: $30,000.00
Project: Value of Youth Serving Organizations to CBRM Youth and Communities
Alissa Power
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Wayne McKay
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: Implicit Sexual Beliefs and the Trajectories of Sexual Well-Being Among Couples Undergoing Fertility Treatment
Meghan Rossi
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Natalie Rosen
RNS Funding Contribution: $30,000.00
Project: Gamified Assessment: an Accommodation for People with Learning Disabilities
Etezad Seyedehsan
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Nicolas Roulin
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,200.00
Project: Investigating the Role of Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Adaptor Protein (NOS1AP) in the Hyperphosphorylation of Tau, a Pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease
Ibrahim Shahin
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. James Fawcett
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: Breaking the Silence: Navigating Mental Illness through Passing and Covering in the Health Professional Culture of Non-Disclosure
Kaitlin Sibbald
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Brenda Beagan
RNS Funding Contribution: *Honorary
Project: The Impacts of Subordinate Incivility on Male and Female Leader Wellbeing: A Multi-Method Investigation
Rhea Stronach
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Camilla Holmvall
RNS Funding Contribution: $12,500.00
Project: Development of Functional Pizza Crust Using Lentil and Wheat Flours
Gowshigga Thamotharampillai
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Bohdan Luhovyy
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Social Worker Conceptions of ‘Trauma’ and Practice with Children and Youth in Canada
Brooke Thomas
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Laura Eramian
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: A Novel Biomaterial Platform for Patient-Specific Modelling of Alzheimer’s Disease
Madalynn Thompson
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. John Frampton
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00
Project: The Overpass Program- Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Services
Joe Townsend
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Melodie MacNeil
RNS Funding Contribution: $5,000.00
Project: The Gene-Environment Interaction Between Abnormal Sleep and Circadian Disruption and its Impact on Atlantic Canada’s High Rate of Colorectal Cancer
Alison Walsh
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Derrick Lee
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: Investigating Molecular Mechanisms of Triple Negative Breast Cancer-enriched Oncogenic Long Non-Coding RNAs
Marie-Claire Wasson
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Paola Marcato
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00
Project: Mapping the Participant Experience in Controlled Human Infection Model Trials: A Modified Grounded Theory Study
Krista Whitfield
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Donna Halperin
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,800.00
Project: The FARE (Food Acquisition Research on Eating) Project: Tracking What We Eat, from Basket to Belly
Helen Wong
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Catherine Mah
RNS Funding Contribution: $48,000.00
Project: Selection and Evaluation of a Superior Apple Genotype for Potential Glycemic Control
Hsin Jung (Cindy) Yu
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. H.P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00