Scotia Scholars Award Recipients 2022/23

Projects: Creation of Website or App to Identify Non-Practising Health Professionals
Adebayo Adeola
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Dean Tsaltas
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Towards understanding the induction and development of the permanent scleral cartilage in the chicken embryonic eye
Fatimah Aiyelabegan
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,500.00

Projects: Exploring the health needs of immigrant mothers in the postpartum period: A qualitative research study
Neda Akbari Nassaji
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Megan Aston & Dr. Jean Hughes
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00

Projects: Examining how health care professionals’ empathy profiles and work outcomes change over time
Gregory Anderson
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Debra Gilin
RNS Funding Contribution: $15,000.00

Projects: The Cumberland Healthcare Services Awareness Project
Jordan Beaton
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Melissa Mills
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Books by Heart, Communal Bibliotherapy
Zoe Beiles
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
University of King’s College (UKC)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Daniel Brandes
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Integration of Ultrasound Endoscope with Surgical Navigation System
Annika Benson
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jeremy Brown
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00

Projects: Is Anxiety a Mediator in the Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Emerging Adults? Investigating a Mediation Model in a Multi-Site University Sample
Haley Bernusky
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sherry Stewart & Dr. Phil Tibbo
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Contributing factors to mental health issues in intense social media users among young female Nova Scotians
Kitti Bessenyei
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Igor Yakovenko
RNS Funding Contribution: $30,000.00

Projects: Investigating Music’s Effects on Anxiety Levels and Symptom Progression in Populations Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Diseases
Emma Broughton
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Lindsay Berrigan & Dr. Angela Weaver
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Attention bias and social skills in youth with anxiety disorders
Hailey Burns
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sandra Meier
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Identification of regulatory sites within the protein structure of the spindle assembly factors Asp/ASPM to understand how overexpression drives cell proliferation in cancer
Maria Burns
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Lori Borgal
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Investigating NRAD1-miR-4485-3p: a new lncRNA-miRNA axis with therapeutic potential in triple-negative breast cancer
Hannah Cahill
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Paola Marcato
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Prescriptive natural killer cell-based immunotherapy for leukemia
Emily Carter
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jeanette Boudreau
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Memories of Parents’ Reactions to Coming Out as LGBTQ+
Olivia Cleary
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Diane Holmberg & Dr. Karen Blair
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Best Practices in Electronic Health Records
Carly Cormier
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Dean Tsaltas
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Intolerance of uncertainty as a moderating factor in understanding relational turbulence
Tessa Cosman
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kathryn Bell & Dr. Diane Holmberg
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: The Effect of Social Experience on the Expression of Serotonin Receptors in the Vertebrate Serotonergic-Stress Pathway
Shann Cox
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Vielka Salazar
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Synthesis and Evaluation of Radio-probes for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Nicole Cox
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Ian Pottie & Dr. Sultan Darvesh
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Experiences of Nova Scotian Dental Practitioners with a Specific Focus on Work Conditions and Access to Care for Patients
Katherine Culligan
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Arlinda Ruco & Dr. Christina Holmes
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Wearable Activity Monitors in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Nova Scotia
Margaret Doiron
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Ryan Reid
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: M(other) and Child
Claire Drummond
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University)
Supervisor(s): Mathew Reichertz
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,000.00

Projects: Quality of work life in long-term care staff during and after COVID-19: The impact of for-profit/not-for-profit ownership models
Amber Duynisveld
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Janice Keefe
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00

Projects: Investigating the Relationship Between Fertility Awareness and Risky Sexual Behaviours in Young Adults
Hannah Dykeman
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kara Thompson
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Developing a Coaching Intervention to Prevent Burnout Among Medical Residents Post COVID-19 Pandemic
Seyedehsan Etezad
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Debra Gilin
RNS Funding Contribution: $15,000.00

Projects: Assessing Visually Induced Motion Sickness in a Diverse Population of Female Stroke Survivors
Summer Fox
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Daniel Blustein
RNS Funding Contribution: $2,500.00

Projects: Characterizing the Neural Profile of Auditory Hallucinations in Bipolar Disorder
Ashley Francis
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Derek Fisher & Dr. Phil Tibbo
RNS Funding Contribution: $45,000.00

Projects: Examining Stigma Reduction Through Humanization of Minor Attracted Persons
Jessica Gaudette
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Margo Watt
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Iron supplementation among pregnant Nova Scotians: an exploratory cross-sectional study to assess perceptions and practices
Devora Goldberg
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kyly Whitfield
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00

Projects: The impact of diet and nutritional status on levels of frailty
Mariana Gonzalez Lara
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Dustin Scott Kehler
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00

Projects: Characterizing the role of host stress and inflammatory responses during chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Shannen Grandy
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Zhenyu Cheng
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Model Optimization of Histotripsy in Neurosurgery Using Ultrasound and MRI Imaging
Justin Greige
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jeremy Brown
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00

Projects: Optical medical device for detecting the proportion of fat and other biochemicals associated with liver transplantation outcomes in humans
Hao Guo
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kevin Hewitt
RNS Funding Contribution: $30,000.00

Projects: SHEY Research Assistant
Holly Harrison
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Kathy Milburn & Blair Hill
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Gap Analysis in Housing Support for Men in the Yarmouth Area
Kelly Hazelton
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Denise Ouellette
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Investigating Previously Infected SARS-CoV-2 Individuals in a University Setting for Antibody Waning and Variant Incidence: A Cross-Sectional, Seroprevalence Study
Benjamin Hewins
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): $10,000.00
RNS Funding Contribution:

Projects: Empowered Cycles
Megan Hosmer
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University)
Supervisor(s): Adrian Fish
RNS Funding Contribution: $8,000.00

Projects: Sexual Identity Development Trajectories and Their Associated Health Outcomes: Expanding Upon the Facilitative Environments Model
Meaghan Hymers
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Diane Holmberg & Dr. Karen Blair
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Developing a theory-guided, evidence-based training program for rehabilitation providers working with residents with dementia in long-term care
Michael Ibekaku
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Caitlin McArthur
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00

Projects: Evaluation of the Implementation of Better Nights, Better Days for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (BNBD-NDD)
Alzena Ilie
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Penny Corkum
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00

Projects: A Motivation-Facilitation Approach to Understanding Image-based Sexual Abuse
Jennifer Jennifer
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Julie Blais
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00

Projects: SVCCB MOBILE APP
Jonathan Kanary
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Adam Gardiner
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Community Garden Engagement and its Impact on Dementia Prevention in Rural Communities
Brooke Kelly
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett & Dr. Andrew Hamilton
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Depressed mood and relationship conflict: A three-wave longitudinal study of romantic couples
Andy Kim
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sherry Stewart & Dr. Simon Sherry
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Caring for the Instrument: Fine Tuning Teacher Self-Care in Rural Nova Scotia
Erika Kirk
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Tanya Surette
RNS Funding Contribution: $15,000.00

Projects: Investigating the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Academic Performance in Male Undergraduate Students
William Langille
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kara Thompson
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: The Detection & Prevention of Suicidality in Justice-Involved Populations: An Empirical Evaluation of the Three-Step Theory of Suicide
Krystal Lowe
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Marc Patry
RNS Funding Contribution: $2,250.00

Projects: Development and functional divergence of tendon
Theodore (Ted) Lownie
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Samuel Veres
RNS Funding Contribution: $2,250.00

Projects: Examining attrition and predictors of adherence in a dual-control group study of brief online mindfulness
Arthur MacDonald
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Anne Sophie Champod & Dr. Will Shead
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Investigating the Spatial Distribution of the Underlying Risk Factors for Covid-19 in Canada
Simon Maltby
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kyran Cupido
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Information Processing Stream
Adam Mariotti
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Derek Fisher
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,500.00

Projects: Nova Scotian Newspaper Advertisements and Their Influence on the Relationship Between Women and Medicine
Emma Martel
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
University of King’s College (UKC)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Gordon McOuat & Dr. Melanie Frappier
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Understanding Cartilage Resorption on a Tissue and Molecular Level
Shea McInnis
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal
RNS Funding Contribution: $15,000.00

Projects: Cambodian factory workers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards maternal and infant and young child feeding and peripartum labour laws
Emily Meier
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kyly Whitfield
RNS Funding Contribution: $10,000.00

Projects: Exploring Patterns and Barriers of Reporting Depressive Symptoms in Student-Athletes
Fiona Nicholson
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sebastian Harenberg
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Knowledge Translation Study on Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and its Possible Long Term Effect for Dementia in Sport
Chloe Oleksiuk
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Erin Mazerolle & Dr. Sebastian Harenberg
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Investigating the role of PML in lung cancer cell migration and tumour formation
Sieun Park
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Graham Dellaire
RNS Funding Contribution: $20,000.00

Projects: Culturally-responsive practices: Bridging the ‘know-do’ gap among early childhood educators in Nova Scotia to promote and sustain equity and inclusion in early learning environments
Milena Pimentel
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Measuring the Stress Response in Young Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Anxiety: Implications for the Reliability of Polygraph Testing
Abbygail Rafuse
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Erin Austen & Dr. Tammy Rodela
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Music Intervention for Anxiety and Cognitive Dysfunction Experienced by People with a Neurodegenerative Disease
Émilie Risdon
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Lindsay Berrigan & Dr. Angela Weaver
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Summer Movement Behaviours of University Varsity Hockey Players & Non-Athlete University Students
Thomas Romary
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Ryan Reid
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Factors Influencing Perceptions of Mental Health Diagnosis and Subsequent Treatment
Keira Ross
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Erin Austen
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: How a Health Care Resource Application Could Improve Accessibility and Inclusion Across Nova Scotia
Brooklynn Rutherford
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Dean Tsaltas
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Detecting the spread of invasive mosquitoes and disease potential in Nova Scotia
Taylor Swanburg
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Neil Kirk Hillier
RNS Funding Contribution: $1,500.00

Projects: The Nova Scotia Housing Crisis: Gaps, Options, and Solutions
Destiny Tobin
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Supervisor(s): Wayne McKay
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: On the Turning Away: How Fear and Self-Esteem Affect Thought Accessibility
Robb Tupper
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Acadia University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Joseph Hayes
RNS Funding Contribution:

Projects: The role of the unfolded protein response in influenza A virus infection
Alina v
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Craig McCormick
RNS Funding Contribution: $9,000.00

Projects: Exploring the Journey of Individuals Transitioning while Accessing a Community-based Comfort Clothing Closet: A Qualitative Phenomenological Inquiry
Debra Wall
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
Cape Breton University (CBU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Janet Kuhnke
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Investigating the Long-Term Physical Effects of the Death of a Friend in Adolescence
Brynn Webber
Undergraduate Scotia Scholars Award
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Kara Thompson
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,000.00

Projects: Dislocate(d)
Susan Willcocks
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University)
Supervisor(s): Adrian Fish
RNS Funding Contribution: $4,000.00

Projects: Risk Factors and Recidivism Rates of Victim Age Polymorphism: A Meta-Analysis
Samantha Williams
Master’s Scotia Scholars Award
Saint Mary’s University (SMU)
Supervisor(s): Dr. Skye Stephens
RNS Funding Contribution: $6,500.00

Projects: Stressed out: Investigating how Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus attacks the cellular stress response
Alexa Wilson
Doctoral Scotia Scholars Award
Dalhousie University
Supervisor(s): Dr. Craig McCormick
RNS Funding Contribution: $60,000.00