Fulbright Canada 2020 Virtual Killam Spring Seminar
Table of Contents
Page 3
The Killam Fellowships Program
Page 4
Our Partners
Page 5
Virtual Seminar Agenda
Pages 6 - 8
Virtual Seminar Panlists
Page 9
Connect with Us
Pages 10 - 16
American Killam Fellows
Pages 17 - 24
Canadian Killam Fellows
Pages 25 - 27
Fulbright Canada Staff at Killam Spring Seminar
2
The Killam Fellowships Program The Killam Fellowships Program, supported by an endowment from the American Killam Trusts, is designed to develop a cadre of young leaders committed to enhancing mutual understanding between Canada and the United States. The Killam Fellowships Program provides exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States with the opportunity to spend either one semester or a full academic year in the other country during their undergraduate career. The Killam Spring Seminar will take place virtually this year. Featuring fascinating alumni and expert panelists, the Killam Fellows will have the opportunity to discuss what a post COVID-19 world will look like. They will also have an opportunity to learn from each other and share both cultural and academic experiences gained during their fellowship. We are looking forward to supporting the Killam Fellows, as they wrap up their fellowship in an interactive way, together as a group. However, as alumni of Fulbright Canada, their experience is far from over and their network is ever expanding!
About Fulbright Canada The Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (Fulbright Canada) is a binational, treaty-based, non-governmental, not-forprofit organization with a mandate to identify the best and brightest minds in both countries and engage them in residential academic exchange. Fulbright Canada is an integral part of the worldwide Fulbright program and has been a global leader in both program innovation and outreach. While its origins can be traced to Senator Fulbright and the U.S. government, today’s Fulbright Program is a complex public sector-private sector partnership active in more than 160 countries. The Fulbright Program is all about investing in our collective future, about knowledge transfer, and about competition in the global marketplace. The success of the program is unquestionable, and its impact profound. Among our alumni are 37 former heads of state or government, 60 Nobel Prize winners, and 86 Pulitzer Prize winners.
3
Our Partners
Canadian Partners
American Partners • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
American University Arizona State University Bridgewater State University Clemson University Florida Polytechnic University Ithaca College Miami Dade College Smith College The State University of New York at Plattsburgh University of California at Irvine University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa University of Maine University of Texas at Austin University of Virginia University of Washington Vanderbilt University Wellesley College
• • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
Acadia University Brock University Carleton University Dalhousie University McGill University McMaster University Memorial University of Newfoundland Mount Allison University Queen’s University Saint Mary’s University Université de Montréal Université Laval University of Alberta University of Calgary University of Ottawa University of Prince Edward Island University of Toronto University of Victoria Western University York University
Killam Virtual Seminar Agenda Friday, April 24, 2020 11:00 to 11:15
Introduction
11:15 to 12:15
Sharing Cross-Cultural Experiences
12:15 to 12:45
Break
12:45 to 2:30
Fulbright Canada Alumni Panel Imagining a Post COVID-19 World, moderated by Dr. Michael Hawes Dr. Jason Black, Department Head, Communications Studies, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Transnational Studies, Brock University, 2019- 2020 Dr. Nicholas Cull, Historian and Director of the Master of Public Diplomacy Program at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California Dr. Elizabeth Dubois, Assistant Professor, Department of Communications, University of Ottawa, Killam Fellow at American University, 2010-2011 Dr. Randall Harp Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Vermont, Fulbright Canada – Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Joint Chair in Contemporary Public Policy, 2020 Ms. Caroline Woodward, Parliamentary Intern, Killam Fellow at Arizona State University, 2015-2016
2:30 to 2:45
Break
2:45 to 3:15
Break-out sessions with panelists
3:15 to 4:15
Killam Fellowships Program Discussion with Dr. Michael Hawes and Michelle Emond
4:15 to 4:45
Leave your mark on the Killam Fellowships Program 5
Virtual Seminar Panelists Friday, April 24, 2020 Dr. Nicholas Cull
Historian and Director of the Master of Public Diplomacy Program at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California
Nicholas J. Cull is professor of Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California where he is affiliated with both the Center on Public Diplomacy and Center for Communication Leadership. Originally from the UK, he is a widely published historian of the role of media and culture in foreign affairs. His most recent books are a survey text: Public Diplomacy: Foundations for Global Engagement in the Digital Age (2019) and (with Nancy Snow as co-editor) The Routledge Handbook of Public Diplomacy (2nd edition) (2020). His anthology on Canadian public diplomacy (co-edited with Michael K. Hawes) will be published later this year. Cull delivered training and/or advice at many foreign ministries and diplomatic academies around the world including those of the US, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, South Korea, Japan and South Africa. He has held visiting appointments with Catholica Milano and Beijing Foreign Studies. In 2019 he was a visiting fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University. Suggested Reading | @NickCull Beware Russian and Chinese Positioning for After the Pandemic | Chatham House Diplomacy after the coronavirus | The Jerusalem Post
Dr. Elizabeth Dubois
Assistant Professor, Department of Communications, University of Ottawa, Killam Fellow at American University, 2010-2011 Dr. Elizabeth Dubois (PhD, University of Oxford) is an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa. Her work examines political uses of digital media including media manipulation, citizen engagement, and artificial intelligence. Suggested Reading
Social-media companies must flatten the curve of misinformation | Nature To Avoid Future Pandemics, Governments Should Invest in the Welfare State, Not Private Surveillance | Medium The Digital Ecosystem Report
6
Dr. Randall Harp Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Vermont, Fulbright Canada - Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Joint Chair In Contemporary Public Policy, 2020 Randall Harp researches the philosophy of action, the philosophy of behavioral and social science, in ethics, and in social metaphysics. He is interested in what it means to be an agent, and in how our agency changes in collective and social contexts. He is also interested in how the behavioral and social sciences model actions and agents. He has particular research interests in the ethical implications of how information about us and our networks can be used to predict and influence our behavior. Randall believes strongly in the power of collaborative and interdisciplinary intellectual work, and in the value of public engagement and communication. Suggested Reading | @REHarp Will Google’s and Apple’s COVID Tracking Plan Protect Privacy? | The Markup The Digital Response to the Outbreak of COVID-19 | Centre for International Governance Innovation ACLU White Paper - Principles for Technology-Assisted Contact-Tracing | American Civil Liberties Unition
Ms. Caroline Woodward Parliamentary Intern, Killam Fellow at Arizona State University, 2015-2016 An avid researcher of political studies with past and current experience working in the Canadian Parliament, Caroline is most interested by nationalism and identity politics, public policy processes, and foreign affairs. She is currently very pleased to be part of the Parliamentary Internship Programme, a unique opportunity for young professionals to work in a non-partisan capacity for two Members of Parliament, one from the Government and one from the Opposition. Caroline holds a Master of Arts degree from Queen’s University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa, both with specializations in Political Studies. Suggested Reading | in/CJWoodward Parliament Under Pressure | The Samara Centre for Democracy Opinion: A universal basic income could help counter COVID-19’s economic damage | CBC News
Government overreach during the pandemic crisis | CBC Radio 7
Dr. Jason Black Department Head, Communications Studies, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Transnational Studies, Brock University, 2019- 2020
Dr. Jason Edward Black is professor and chair of the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the 2020 Fulbright Research Chair in Transnational Studies at Brock University’s Centre for Canadian Studies. His research program is located at the juncture of rhetoric and social change, with an emphasis on Native resistance and LGBTQ community discourses. Black is the co-author of Mascot Nation: The Controversy over Native American Representations in Sports (Univ. of Illinois Press, 2018) and the author of American Indians and the Rhetoric of Removal and Allotment (Univ. Press of Mississippi, 2015). He is also co-editor, with Casey Ryan Kelly, of Decolonizing Native American Rhetoric: Communicating Self-Determination (Peter Lang, 2018), with Charles E. Morris, III, of An Archive of Hope: Harvey Milk’s Speeches and Writings (University of California Press, 2013) and, with Greg Goodale, of Arguments about Animal Ethics (Lexington, 2010). Black’s work has appeared in American Indian Quarterly, American Indian Culture and Research Journal, Quarterly Journal of Speech, Rhetoric & Public Affairs, Argumentation & Advocacy, Southern Communication Journal, Western Journal of Communication, Communication Quarterly, the Canadian Journal of Native Studies, and in other journal outlets and numerous book chapters. Black is currently completing a second mascot book titled Mascotting Indigenous Canada: Colonial and Decolonial Representations in Sport Culture (contracted with University of Toronto Press) as a part of his Fulbright Canada experience.
Suggested Reading | @JasEdBlack Decolonizing Community Care in Response to COVID-19 | NDN Collective Canada’s bid to beat back coronavirus exposes stark gaps between the provinces | The Guardian Number of COVID-19 cases reported in Indigenous communities more than doubles | CBC News Indian Country faces higher risks, lack of resources in COVID-19 fight | ABC News Coronavirus Equity Considerations | NAACP Opinion: Indigenous communities and COVID-19: The virus may not discriminate, but responses to it do | The Globe and Mail
8
Connect with us Social Media
@FulbrightCanada
@FulbrightCanada
/FulbrightCanada
We encourage you to engage with us on social media before, during, and after the Killam Spring Seminar. #KillamsOnline
Zoom
The Killam Spring Seminar will take place on Zoom. Participants will be given the opportunity to engage with panelists and each other through breakout rooms, Q&A sections, and more.
MURAL
Killam Spring Seminar participants will be invited to work together in MURAL, a digital solution that enables innovative teams to think and collaborate visually to solve important problems.
9
American Killam Fellows
10
Arlene Chan
From: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa To: University of Victoria
Arlene Chan is an undergraduate student, studying Biology and Psychology, at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Intending to serve the medically disadvantaged community through a holistic approach, Arlene has dedicated herself to research work through the Violence Prevention and Program Evaluation Lab and at the Human Affective Neuroscience Lab. As a result, she has gained valuable medical insights and software proficiency, such as SPSS, NVivo, PsychoPy, and Python scripts. Arlene has also supplemented her work through regular volunteering at the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific, shadowing various medical personnel to gain different perspectives on healthcare. Outside of her academic and career pursuit, she enjoys the beautiful hikes on Ohau and playing basketball at the community park with her friends.
Brittany Christian
From: Bridgewater State University To: York University
Brittany Christian is a senior and Political Science major hailing from Bridgewater State University. She is an aspiring civil and human rights attorney, dedicating her academics and co-curricular activities to advocating for the socioeconomically marginalized. Since her freshman year, she has participated in service initiatives throughout her home state of Massachusetts and internationally to countries within Southeast Asia and Central America. One of her most recent achievements was obtaining the Erasmus Scholarship awarded by the European Commission. In 2018, she was the first student in her university’s history to receive acceptance to Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Policy and Leadership Conference. She has served both the judicial and legislative sectors of the United States in roles such as her Legislative and Community Affairs Internship for Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Deputy Clerk Internship for the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Nicholas Corder
From: University of Missouri To: Université Laval
Nicholas Corder is an American documentary filmmaker, French speaker, and university student. He is currently studying at Université Laval in Québec City working toward a microprogram in French as a foreign language. Formerly, he also studied at Sciences Po–Paris in France, earning a certificate in International Affairs. He will be going back to the United States of America in the spring where he will be graduating in May 2020 at the University of Missouri with a degree in Documentary Journalism (B.J.) and French (B.A.). He hopes to use his background in film and French to disseminate stories from all over the world to American and Canadian audiences.
11
Rachael King
From: Arizona State University To: Acadia University
Rachael King graduated from Ingraham High School in Seattle, WA with an IB Diploma in 2017. She was a National Merit Finalist in high school and was awarded a full academic scholarship to attend Arizona State University West (ASU) in Glendale, AZ. She is currently a junior and will be studying at Acadia University for Fall 2019. At ASU, Rachael works as a paid research assistant through the NCUIRE program. Her research has focused on water quality law, resulting in a research poster which she took to the AAAS 2019 Annual Meeting and which won first place at the NCUIRE symposium at ASU. Because of her many academic achievements, she was awarded the Leading by Example award for the sophomore class by Barrett, The Honors College at ASU. She looks forward to continuing her research into water quality law in Canada in order to compare US and Canadian governmental responses to water quality issues for her Honors Thesis.
Kees Koopman
From: North Carolina State University To: McGill University
Kees Koopman is an honors student at North Carolina State University studying Anthropology and Linguistics with a minor in Spanish. He is interested in language acquisition, semantics, and anthropological linguistics, and plans to pursue one or all of these things in graduate school after obtaining his bachelor’s degree. Kees’ recent anthropological research was concerned with trends in the gendered representation of African farmers in research literature, for which he received a travel grant to present at a conference. After publishing his work, he will be pursuing linguistics more heavily with faculty at both McGill University and his home institution. In addition to the Killam Fellowship, Kees is a recipient of the William T. Kretzer Scholarship and the Abraham Holtzman Award. He is also a member of the Rowing Club at NC State and has been rowing for nearly four years, during which time he won medals at both state and regional regattas.
Madison Lusk
From: Arizona State University To: University of Alberta
Madison is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University studying Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) with a minor in Spanish. She is dedicated to global environmental awareness and change, which is evident by her involvement with the Central Arizona Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology and the Make Your Impact organization on campus. She is currently a student research aid, where she assists graduate students at Arizona State studying Aspen mortality in Colorado. Madison is a National Merit scholar and Honors student. Beyond this, she is an active member and student leader in Camp Kesem, a nationwide non-profit dedicated to supporting children through and beyond their parents’ cancer. Her wide range of passions and involvement keep her motivated and focused on her overall goal: to make a positive global impact.
12
From: Miami Dade College To: University of Calgary
Alejandra Montoya
Alejandra Montoya, born and raised in Miami, Florida, is a sophomore student majoring in Nursing at The Honors College at Miami Dade College. Alejandra’s family is originally from Colombia and she is a first-generation college student. Alejandra is passionate about improving the quality of healthcare for minority women, supporting initiatives for social equality, and advocating for environmental sustainability. After graduating from The Honors College, she hopes to transfer to the University of Pennsylvania or the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Alejandra eventually wants to pursue a PhD in nursing and conduct research that will impact women’s health. Alejandra spends her off time reading fiction novels, spending time with family, and dancing.
Stephanie Mooney
From: Ithaca College To: Queen’s University
Stephanie is a junior at Ithaca College studying Culture and Communication. Drawn to the program through its interdisciplinary nature—Stephanie is passionate about a variety of intersections between platforms of socialization that shape the human experience. Mostly, she is enthralled by the power of modern technology’s increasingly normalized presence in daily lives, and the subsequent investigation of such a role across educational and media-related institutions. Additionally, Stephanie is fascinated by the factors that influence such dynamics across specific boundaries of space, place, and time. In her quest for answers, Stephanie has additional minors of international politics and interdisciplinary studies built into her program. In the Spring of 2019, Stephanie was inducted into the Lambada Pi Eta Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, writing, and occasionally decorating cakes.
Cecelia Moran
From: Clemson University To: University of Ottawa
Cecelia Moran is currently a junior at Clemson University in South Carolina. She is a financial management major with a concentration in corporate finance and a minor in accounting. She is a DC-area native and attended The Potomac School for high school. She has been selected for and completed two Virginia Space Grant Consortium summer academies and is currently a member of Clemson’s accounting and finance honor society, Beta Alpha Psi. She has also been on Clemson’s Dean’s List for three out of four total semesters spent at Clemson. During her fellowship, Cecelia hopes to gain insight into the differences between the American and Canadian financial systems and learn more about employment opportunities in the Canadian financial world. Having lived near DC her entire life, Cecelia is an avid Washington Capitals hockey fan and regularly attends games during the season.
13
Bianca Navia
From: Arizona State University To: University of Ottawa
Bianca Navia is currently pursuing her B.A. in both Political Science and Global Studies at Arizona State University, where she is also an Honors student at Barrett, the Honors College. She is most passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, and foreign languages, of which she speaks three (German, Spanish, and Italian) and is in the process of learning one (Arabic). Navia is particularly interested in researching Middle Eastern affairs and national security policy. When she is not studying, she can be found tutoring English online to refugee students at Paper Airplanes, a non-profit that serves individuals affected by conflict in the MENA region. Upon her graduation, she intends to apply her interests and language skills to serve others, whether in the government or non-profit sector. Navia is thrilled to be a Killam Fellow and attend the University of Ottawa in the Spring, where she hopes to learn more about the refugee resettlement process in Canada.
Alexandra Neumann
From: Arizona State University To: University of Prince Edward Island
Alexandra Neumann is studying Sustainability and Conservation Biology at Barrett. Her collaboration on the Food and Well-Being in the Anthropocene and Sustainable Farms Systems projects at the School of Sustainability focused her research interests on the environmental history of agriculture. As a researcher for the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation at the Phoenix Zoo, she used her findings on the behavior of an endangered owl species to improve the Zoo’s population management program. Alexandra is passionate about integrating conservation with environmental history to promote ecologically sensitive agricultural practices. Alexandra loves to serve her community as a volunteer at the School of Sustainability’s garden. She also co-founded a sustainability leadership development program, for which she was a finalist for Barrett’s Leader in Community Service award.
From: University of Washington To: University of Victoria
Benjamin Parsons
Benjamin graduated A.C. Davis High School in June of 2018. He was in the top 5% of the class and he participated in the International Baccalaureate program. Starting in fall of 2018 Benjamin began attending The University of Washington – Seattle and has continued his excellent academic performance. During his first year at The University of Washington Benjamin was also involved in undergraduate research related to the discovery and corroboration of new physics processes in particle physics. He was also a part of the Student organization, Engineers without Borders, in which he helped plan and execute a fundraising gala that helped raise over $10,000 which will be used in helping communities in developing countries. Benjamin also enjoys an active lifestyle and regularly exercises and goes rock climbing with friends at The University of Washington’s climbing gym.
14
Celeste Ramirez
From: Florida Polytechnic University To: Western University
Celeste Ramirez began this part of her journey in 2014, by realizing she had a fascination with computer programming. In 2016, she returned to university to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, with a focus in Game Development. She interned at Steamroller Studios in 2017 and has held a part-time position there ever since. She is happily married and has a home in Central Florida with her husband.
Augusta Reinhart
From: University of Montana To: Université de Montréal
Augusta Reinhart was President of Leo Club, Vice President of National Honor Society, and team captain of the Speech and Debate Team. She was presented the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists Award of Excellence in 2016, the AP Scholar Award in 2017, elected to the National Student Leadership Council, and invited to join the National Society of High School Scholars. In 2018, she accepted the Presidential Leadership Scholarship from the University of Montana in Missoula where she is studying Political Science, International Relations, French, Pre-Law, and Global Leadership. She has since been elected to the Budget and Finance Committee of the Student Government, worked on four political campaigns, joined the Pi Sigma Alpha and Alpha Lambda Delta national honor societies, and began volunteering at the International Rescue Committee in pursuit of her passion for human rights.
From: American University To: Carleton University
Zachary Rubiner
Zachary Rubiner was born in Los Angeles California, where he has lived his entire life up until the start of University. Raised in Encino in Los Angeles’s San Fernando Valley, Zach attended Jewish parochial school for all but three years of his K through 12 education. Zach currently attends The American University in Washington D.C., majoring in International Studies through the University’s School of International Service. He is particularly interested in U.S.-Canada relations as he recognizes the importance of the United States’ economic and strategic alliance with Canada. Zach is also involved in United States domestic politics. While in high school, Zach interned in U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff’s district office. He volunteered to work on his first campaign when he was 14 years old and has interned on two U.S. Senate campaigns. Most recently, he interned at Kamala Harris’ 2020 Presidential campaign.
15
Liza Wilson
From: American University To: Dalhousie University
Liza Wilson is an American University junior from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. At American, she is a Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar and an AU Honors student. In addition to the Killam Undergraduate Fellowship, she has also been selected as an Ernest F. Hollings Scholar by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. She is an Environmental Science major and Chinese minor, interested in studying climatology and the effects of climate change in polar regions on the rest of the world. Post-graduation, she hopes to continue learning through the pursuit a master’s degree and PhD, which will then allow her to conduct independent, climate-related field work and research. Her favorite things to do include traveling, learning and practice new languages, going to concerts, watching independent films, cooking and baking, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors, regardless of the weather.
Heream Yang
From: Vanderbilt University To: McGill University
Heream Yang, from Houston, Texas, is a junior at Vanderbilt University studying English Literature and Human and Organizational Development. She will be studying English Literature at McGill University through the Killam Fellowships Program. Heream is an avid writer, having reported for The Vanderbilt Hustler, the university’s official student newspaper, on topics ranging from female entrepreneurship to the Vanderbilt Influenza Vaccine Initiative. She has also written for Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management; Aspire to Her, a digital platform empowering women in the first decade of their business careers; and Gensler, a global architecture and design firm. Outside of the classroom, Heream enjoys running in Nashville’s historic Centennial Park and reading books featuring strong female leads. She hopes to use her writing to showcase bold women accomplishing extraordinary things.
16
Canadian Killam Fellows
17
From: Western University To: Florida Polytechnic University
Peter Akioyamen
Peter Akioyamen is currently a third-year Scholar’s Electives student at Western University, where he is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science with concentrations in Data Science and Applied Mathematics. At 18 years of age, Peter gained initial exposure to research studying Cystic Fibrosis at The Hospital for Sick Children. Since then, he has developed interests in the intersections between mathematics, computer science, and finance. He is interested in the applications of machine learning techniques in computational finance as well as financial derivative pricing, and the uses of derivative products in growing developing economies and world markets. He has received numerous awards from Western University for international service learning, volunteering, extracurricular involvement, and academic achievement. Having played both basketball and volleyball internationally, he enjoys continuing to stay active in everyday life.
Parker Deabreu
From: Brock University To: University of Maine
Parker Deabreu is an BA Honours Economics with co-op student at Brock University, in St. Catharines, Ontario Canada, double minoring in geography and environmental sustainability. Her main focus in her studies is environmental economics; looking to understand and connect how humans’ economic practices, and behaviours, impact the environment. Specifically, with respect to the energy sector. Parker has been applying her academic knowledge to her co-op work placements. First, as a field technician at an entomology lab for one term, followed by a training management co-op student at Ontario Power Generation, learning about different areas of knowledge to be better prepared for the work force upon graduation in 2020. Travelling to learn new perspectives and experience different cultures, is one of her passions. Making the best of university, Parker has been to South Africa, Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago through programs offered at Brock University.
Kelsey Devaney
From: McGill University To: University of Virginia
Kelsey Devaney is a third-year undergraduate student at McGill University studying Kindergarten and Elementary Education. She has chosen this field of study as she is passionate about teaching and possesses a strong desire to help children succeed. Previously, she completed a DEC (also known as Diploma of College Studies) at Dawson College where she graduated on the Dean’s list for having maintained an average of 85% and above throughout the course of her program. She is hardworking and dedicated both in her studies and within her community. Kelsey was the recipient of the John Molson Scholarship in 2017 as well as the Sharon Prior Scholarship in 2018 for her academic excellence and commitment to her community. She is thrilled to embark on her newest adventure at the University of Virginia and is honored to be a part of the Killam Fellow community.
18
Katie Du
From: University of Alberta To: Wellesley College
Katie Du is currently a third-year undergraduate student studying cell biology at the University of Alberta, although her friends’ question whether she is truly a student based on her spotty attendance. Since junior high, Katie has regularly travelled abroad to compete with the Canadian National Women’s Foil Cadet and Junior Fencing team. In 2018, she captained the junior women’s foil team to a gold medal finish at the Commonwealth Youth Championships and also captured the individual title. When Katie is not busy safely stabbing people, she dedicates her time to her other great interest – talking. She works with the Edmonton Youth Justice Committee, MS Society, Victim Services Unit, the local Women’s Shelter, and other organizations on a wide range of advocacy issues. Katie hopes to combine her technical background in science and her community work experience to gain a better understanding about the social determinants behind healthcare.
Kaela Fraser
From: Acadia University To: Arizona State University
Kaela Fraser is entering her fourth year of a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Acadia University, Nova Scotia. She is passionate about scientific research and is pursuing a career in medicine after her undergraduate degree. In 2018, she was awarded the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute Studentship Award to study novel analogues of anti-cancer related molecules. In 2019, she was awarded a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to support her honours thesis research, which focuses on steroid molecules for anti-cancer activity. While working on research, Kaela also works as a resident assistant and teaching assistant for Acadia University. She is certain the Killam Fellowship program will strengthen her community development skills as well as her scientific knowledge.
Bijean Ghafouri
From: Université de Montréal To: American University
Bijean Ghafouri is an undergraduate student studying political science at the University of Montreal. After gaining professional experience in NGOs and in a federal minister cabinet working as a political attaché, Bijean gained interest in academic research. Specializing in electoral behavior and elections, he now works for a professor as a research assistant. For his honors thesis, he studied the impact of Chinese import penetration rates on the electoral popularity of incumbent Presidents and Governors in the United-States. After his bachelor’s degree, he plans on doing his PhD in the United-States where he plans to study the importance of identity and cultural issues in the voter’s calculus.
19
Daniel Gold
From: Mount Allison University To: University of Texas at Austin
Daniel Gold is a fourth year student in Economics and Mathematics at Mount Allison University. Daniel involved himself in student life by running for the Mount Allison Student Union, as well as founding the Mount Allison Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Society. During his internship at the Department of Finance Canada, Daniel recognized his passion for economics and mathematical modelling. He then switched from PPE into an Economics and Mathematics program. This past summer, Daniel worked as a Mergers and Acquisitions Research Intern for Constellation Software in Toronto where he further developed his quantitative skills, as well as skills in business development and prospecting. After graduation, he hopes to continue learning about private equity and venture capital before attending graduate school in the US. In his spare time, Daniel is an avid cook, an amateur road cyclist and a 24-hour news enthusiast.
Raphael Hotter
From: McGill University To: University of California at Berkeley
Raffi is on a quest to hacking the brain. Projects he has worked on include a $1,000 portable brain scanner, a brain-controlled wheelchair, a club to teach programming, and two brain imaging methods for Alzheimer’s Disease. He has won 2nd Place in Physics at the International Science and Engineering Fair. He is currently studying Joint Honours Mathematics and Computer Science and McGill University and is interning at Google X during the summer.
Wei Hu
From: University of Ottawa To: University of Washington
Wei Hu is in his fourth year at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a joint honors degree in computer science and in mathematics, focusing particularly on artificial intelligence. While his research is mainly in deep learning (improving theoretical understanding in an empirically established field), he is also interested in the ethical questions which surround artificial intelligence’s proliferation. He interned at Google in San Francisco, and at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in Ottawa. He is recipient of an undergraduate student research award (USRA) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for research in mathematics. In summer 2019, Wei is taking part in a machine learning research internship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Wei is co-president of his university’s Engineers Without Borders chapter. He enjoys hiking, playing chess and watching ducks.
20
Maria Karteris
From: York University To: Miami Dade College
Maria grew up on an island in Greece and decided to move to Canada to complete her postsecondary education. She is a third year student majoring in Commerce Marketing at York University. Moving to another country to start her life from zero, Maria faced challenges but has achieved more than she expected. She is the recipient of a York University scholarship and is a member of the Marketing Association, taking up the Director of Events position. Maria is honored to be part of the Killam Program and is looking forward to spending her experience in Miami.
Amelia Lacey
From: Memorial University of Newfoundland To: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Amelia Lacey is studying Biochemistry Nutrition at Memorial University. Amelia’s focus on health and wellbeing guides both her academic and personal pursuits. She has held several research awards, including an NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) studying the effects of dietary lipids on gestation, and a SURA (Summer Undergraduate Research Award) with Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, studying interventions to achieve exclusive breastfeeding in diabetic women. Amelia has presented her research at Memorial’s Biochemistry Research Symposium and at The Primary Healthcare Partnership Forum. As a Dean’s List student, she has also been supported by several generous scholarships. Currently, Amelia is an executive member of Memorial’s Biochemistry Society and Women in Science and Engineering Society. She has also volunteered with Global Brigades in Honduras, inspiring her to become more involved in global health.
Erin Lange
From: Carleton University To: Arizona State University
Erin is a student at Carleton University and will be entering her third year in September 2019. She is majoring in chemistry with a minor in Italian. This summer she is the recipient of an NSERC USRA and is working in a research lab studying enzymes controlling the metabolism of certain fluorinated compounds and environmental pollutants. Having always loved to travel, she is very excited to spend a semester abroad in Phoenix, Arizona. Her experience travelling began when she moved to Adelaide, Australia for 2 years and has since travelled throughout Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, several European countries, and the Caribbean. Outside of school, Erin is a competitive Irish Dancer. She has been dancing for 15 years and has been able to compete at the Eastern Canadian Regionals, the North American Irish Dance Championships, and the World Championships.
21
Grace Lavoie
From: St.Mary’s University To: Clemson University
Grace Lavoie is in her fourth year at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she is studying Commerce. Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, she is proud of her Atlantic Canadian roots, and feels privileged to attend a small, well respected University in the Maritimes. She is majoring in Economics and minoring in French, and is thrilled to maintain the Dean’s List honour. Having the opportunity to work at her family’s small business in her hometown, she is confident in her decision to pursue a career in business, although continues to explore various professional paths. Inspired by helping others, she is fortunate to volunteer at the IWK. She is energetic on campus as well, providing language support to students from abroad. Learning about their cultures and countries lends itself well to her passion for travelling. Grace has visited more than 20 countries and looks forward to new adventures in new places.
Georgia Lin
From: University of Toronto To: American University
Georgia is a third-year student at he University of Toronto pursuing an Honours Bachelors of Arts in Equity Studies, Diaspora and Transnational Studies, and History. Her international upbringing in Taipei, New York City, and Toronto led to her passion for studying global social equity, where her research interests lie in the intersections of race, gender, and disability. Georgia was a recipient of the 2019 Queen Elizabeth II: Establishing Rights Relations Scholarship that allowed her to intern at the Centre for Women’s Health Research of Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, where she conducted research on the mental health of young Māori mothers. She is actively involved in community engagement initiatives, co-founding Art at the Intersections, and went on to receive Victoria University’s Crescam Serviendo Award. Georgia is also an avid choral music performer and professional mezzo-soprano singer, and made her solo debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2017.
Jonathan Lin
From: Queen’s University To: Arizona State University
Jonathan Lin is an undergraduate student at Queen’s University, studying a B.S degree in Life Sciences. He is the recipient of the Internal Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, Principal’s Scholarship, Dean’s Honours List with Distinction, and Queen’s Appeal Undergraduate Scholarship. He has involved himself in both clinical and laboratory research at the Ottawa Heart Institute, with a current research focus on the molecular mechanism of transcription factors (Irx) in heart development and metabolism. Jonathan is the founder of “Harvest’s Bowl”, a novel organization aimed to combat local hunger through charities, participation in community harvests, and involvement at the Dalhousie Food Bank in Ottawa. He is also the co-founder of “Endogen Learning”, an organization which strives to provide low-cost tutoring for students in need while raising money for local food banks.
22
Francis Routledge
From: Dalhousie University To: Smith College
Francis is a Bachelor of Science student specializing in Neuroscience, minoring in Film Studies, and working toward a certificate in Indigenous Studies at Dalhousie University. She is interested in epigenetics and the roles in which gene-environment interactions play in stress response, severe mental illness and addiction. She is currently assisting with a project on substance use and social networks in Dr. Sherry Stewart’s Mood, Anxiety, and Addiction CoMorbidity Laboratory and plans on completing an honours project under Dr. Ian Weaver’s supervision. Francis enjoys genetic engineering research and has been a part of Dalhousie iGEM for two years, co-leading a team that earned a silver medal and a nomination for best environmental project at the international competition. Her passion for helping others and advancing research on mental illness and addiction has led to her interest in a career in research and psychiatry.
Jeremy Thompson
From: University of Prince Edward Island To: Clemson University
Jeremy is a computer science student at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). He has completed four years there while working towards a computer science degree, and during this time he has had opportunities to assist a professor with research in machine learning, live and work in Germany for six months as a co-op student at Bosch Sensortec, and to assist with web development work at a local non-profit organisation. He has maintained a high standard of academic performance while at UPEI, achieving the second highest GPA of any third-year science student at the university and being awarded the Faculty Association Silver Medal. He is also an avid runner, having ran for the cross-country team at UPEI for four years in addition to participating in many local road races. He hopes to continue to broaden his professional and personal horizons before he pursues a career in software development and potentially further education.
From: University of Victoria To: Bridgewater State University
Justin Wikkerink
JR Wikkerink is a third-year political science student at the University of Victoria. He spent his middle and high school years in Lethbridge, Alberta graduating as a distinguished graduate at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. He was the founder of Screamin Brothers Allergen Friendly Frozen Desserts, a company he built into a national brand. His company was featured on CBC’s Dragons Den, which highlighted the company’s philanthropic contributions to children’s charities locally and internationally. During this time, JR was the recipient of numerous awards including Lethbridge’s 2015 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Alberta’s 2016 Young Entrepreneur Business Award of Distinction and Alberta’s Next Generation Innovator Award for 2017. JR is currently a varsity athlete with the University of Victoria Vikes Rowing Team where he devotes much of his time on the lake and in the gym.
23
Jasmine Wu
From: University of British Columbia To: Arizona State University
Jasmine Wu was born in San Diego and grew up in Austin before moving to Vancouver, Canada, where she attends university now. Jasmine is in her third year at the University of British Columbia and will be taking up her Killam award at Arizona State University. She studies business and computer science and is passionate about using innovation and technology to solve problems in the ever-changing business world. Jasmine has numerous internships under her belt, including a digital design internship at Best Buy Canada and a software engineering internship at Nordstrom Seattle Headquarters. Jasmine is a Rewriting the Code fellow, Tomorrow’s Masters of Digital Media alumni, and has been selected to attend sophomore insight programs at Citi, RBC, Blackstone, and The Bank of America. When she is not coding up a website, Jasmine loves to play the piano, explore the outdoors, try new cuisines, and attend various music concerts.
Julia Zakoor
From: McMaster University To: American University
Julia Zakoor is a candidate for the inaugural class for Integrated Business and Humanities at McMaster’s Degroote School of Business. She hopes to pursue a career in the non-profit sector with an emphasis on sustainable development. Julia believes in exploring the world through a holistic approach by submerging herself in unfamiliar environments and learning about humanity through individuals themselves. She has volunteered alongside organizations Me to We, learning about female empowerment while visiting the women artisans at San Miguel’s Girls Club in Ecuador, and We Are Bamboo, exploring ethical tourism while taking care of elephants in Thailand. Julia also completed her internship as a Client Advisor with the Royal Bank of Canada. In the upcoming semester, Julia will be the Co-Chair of Degroote Impact, a student-led group with the main purpose of providing opportunities for students to give back to the Hamilton community and to prepare future graduates with the skills to be leaders in corporate social responsibility in their future workplaces.
24
Fulbright Canada Staff at Spring Seminar Dr. Michael Hawes
Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America Executive Director, Fulbright Canada mhawes@fulbright.ca Dr. Michael Hawes is a professor of political science, a tireless advocate of international education, and a proud alumnus of the Fulbright program. He is Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America. Under his direction Fulbright Canada has witnessed dramatic growth in its programs and in the number of students and scholars that the program supports. Since 1985, he has been a professor of international relations (currently on leave) in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston. He has held fellowships and visiting professorships in Canada, the United States, Japan, Mexico, and Sweden. He currently chairs the board of the Institute for Studies in International Development at McGill University, is an executive committee member of Canada World Youth, is a member of the editorial board of the Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, and is a member of the ACSUS Advisory Board.
Michelle Emond
Program Officer - Students | memond@fulbright.ca Michelle Emond is Fulbright Canada’s Program Officer responsible for Student Programs. In addition to the Foundation’s flagship Fulbright Student Program, Michelle coordinates the Foundation’s pathbreaking undergraduate exchange program, the Killam Fellowships Program and works closely with partner institutions to facilitate the administration of these programs. Michelle is a long-time resident of Ottawa. She studied languages and translation at the University of Ottawa, where she obtained her B.A. Michelle has some twenty years of administrative experience and has been with Fulbright Canada for over seventeen years.
25
Alanna Blackie DeMos
Coordinator, Public Affairs and Alumni Relations ablackiedemos@fulbright.ca Alanna Blackie DeMos is the Coordinator for Public Affairs and Alumni Relations. She is responsible for managing the Foundation’s public affairs and communications strategy. She manages the Foundation’s alumni programs, including the Fulbright Canada Eco-Leadership Program and the Fulbright Canada Community Leadership Program. She holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, both from Carleton University, where she focused her studies on environmental ethics and distributive justice. In 2015, she completed a Graduate Program in Public Relations and Communications Management at McGill University. Alanna is a proud Ottawa native with experience working in communications with the federal government. Alanna is always eager to talk to members of the Fulbright community (grantees, alumni and partners) and members of the public interested in providing feedback or learning more about Fulbright Canada.
Sanford Jones
Prospects Research Officer | sjones@fulbright.ca Sanford Jones is the Prospect Research Officer at Fulbright Canada. His role involves supporting partnership development and fundraising efforts for the Foundation. Sanford is focused on open source research and project management skills developed as a co-op student with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and with Service Canada. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sanford completed a Bachelor of Social Science Joint Honours in Public Administration and in Political Science at the University of Ottawa in December of 2019. He is also a Killam Fellowship alum and studied at Bridgewater State University during the Fall term of 2017. Over the past year, he has also worked as a Research Assistant to Professor Elke Winter. Sanford actively encourages others to pursue international education opportunities by volunteering at the University of Ottawa International Office as a coach for students interested in studying in the United States.
26
Anna Abraham
Communications and Operations Specialist aabraham@fulbright.ca Anna Abraham is the Communications and Operations Specialist, responsible for managing the Foundation’s digital media presence and special events. As a member of the growing outreach team at the Foundation, she is developing programming, communications, events, and engagement opportunities for grantees, alumni, and public sector and private sector partners to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Fulbright Canada. She also manages the Youth Ambassadors Program in Canada. Anna holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in Quantitative Biology. Anna has worked in communications and partnership development in the private and non- governmental sectors, and brings experience in academic event development. Having lived, worked and studied in Canada and the United States of America, Anna understands the unique experience or international education.
Martha Vrany
Executive Assistant to the CEO | mvrancy@fulbright.ca Martha Vrany is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at Fulbright Canada. Her responsibilities include fundraising support, working directly with the CEO on all development matters, acting as the key support person for the Foundation’s Board of Directors, managing board meetings, managing the CEO’s schedule, and partnership building efforts. Martha is the point of first contact at the Foundation and is pleased to provide assistance in either English or French. An Ottawa native, Martha has completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a Minor in Geology, as well as a Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Ottawa. Martha has experience working in the private school world.
27
Cover images: Bianca Navia on Killam Mobility Trip Killams playing hockey at Fall Orientation, 2019