Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
June 26, 2003
U of G student receives Trudeau Scholarship
A University of Guelph PhD candidate has received a Trudeau Scholarship, worth $35,000 a year for four years, with an additional $15,000 available for research-related travel expenses. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation awarded geography student Anna Stanley a scholarship for her research on how current nuclear fuel waste management practices affect First Nations in Canada.
"I feel really honoured to get a scholarship that supports critical thinking and research that aim to change society for the better," said Stanley, who also completed a BA in international development at Guelph. "I think nuclear fuel waste is a problem that needs to have a more inclusive management process."
The Trudeau Scholars Program, which began this year, supported 12 doctoral candidates who are pursuing research in one or more of the foundation themes: human rights and social justice, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and humans and their natural environment. Scholar nominees were assessed for their academic achievement, ability to engage in exchange with other researchers and scholars, and intention to work and contribute to public dialogue in one of the foundation themes.
"The university is very proud of Anna," said president Mordechai Rozanski. "This award is a tribute to her academic success and honours her superb faculty, mentors and the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences."
"Much of Canada's success as a nation is owed to our past leaders and innovative thinkers who challenged conventional approaches to social issues," said Allan Rock, minister of industry. "This country's future will be shaped by the next generation of intellectual talent, and these Trudeau Scholars are explorers of this uncharted territory."
Stanley's research examines the extent to which Canada's official representation of the nuclear waste management problem excludes the experiences, perceptions and judgments of the First Nations. "The goal of my research is to increase awareness of the ways nuclear waste decisions can exclude certain groups of people from determining their own realities and futures," she said. "Policies should challenge and stretch environmental management framework and improve social justice."
Geography professor Richard Kuhn, Stanley's adviser, says her award is well-deserved. "She's an outstanding student and completely committed to the notions of social justice and First Nations in Canada."
The Trudeau Foundation was established in 2002 to honour Pierre Elliott Trudeau by encouraging public debate and exceptional research in issues of public policy. The foundation supports advanced work in the social sciences and humanities by bringing together outstanding scholars and creative people in government, business, the volunteer sector, the professions and the arts community.
"We were delighted with the outstanding calibre of the nominees in this, the inaugural year of this unique scholarship program," said foundation president Stephen Toope. "The 12 Trudeau Scholars are distinguished by their extraordinary creativity, provocative thinking and a true commitment to engaging the public in shaping society in Canada and around the world. They are a fitting living legacy to our former prime minister."
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
