U of G Grad Student Receives Trudeau Scholarship
May 14, 2013 - News Release
A University of Guelph PhD candidate has received a Trudeau Scholarship, the most prestigious doctoral award in Canada. Geography student Chiara Camponeschi won the $60,000 scholarship from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation to study urban governance and environment. She is one of 14 Trudeau scholars named this year.
“This is a wonderful achievement for Chiara,” said president Alastair Summerlee. “It’s a tribute to her academic and research success, and to her dedication to helping change lives and improve life through participatory governance. It also recognizes the support and commitment of her mentors in the Department of Geography and the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences.”
Along with her adviser, geography professor Ben Bradshaw, Camponeschi studies urban sustainability and participatory governance, especially how cities and their residents adapt to climate change.
“I am delighted and honoured to be receiving this prestigious award, and I am looking forward to learning from this incredible community,” Camponeschi said.
“The scholarship will enable me to continue my research, to make valuable connections with thought leaders in the field, and to learn about best practices in innovative resilience planning in Canada and abroad.”
Begun in 2003, the Trudeau Scholarships support up to 15 doctoral candidates studying human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and humans and their natural environment.
Besides receiving the three-year, $60,000 stipend, scholars interact regularly with other recipients and mentors, as well as academic and non-academic leaders.
“This cohort of scholars consists of the best minds in the best institutions studying critical and complex issues for Canadians and the world,” said P.G. Forest, president of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.
Originally from Rome, Camponeschi has worked with international organizations from grassroots groups to the United Nations. She was selected as Italy’s only Oxfam Action Partner for 2010-2013, and was recognized as a Young Agent of Change by Toronto’s Centre for Social Innovation in 2011.
She completed a BA in political science and communications studies and a master’s degree in environmental studies at York University.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca; or Kevin Gonsalves, Ext. 56982, kgonsalves@uoguelph.ca.
