News release

Graduate Students Receive Innovation and Research Scholarships

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

NOTE: Information on several of this year's recipients follows this release.


Graduate students at universities across the province have been awarded scholarships, helping them stay in Nova Scotia to do research that could lead to jobs, new products and more opportunities.

This year, government is funding up to 155 innovation and research scholarships. The program will be fully phased in over four years, and will eventually fund 310 scholarships a year.

"These scholarships put money into the hands of graduate students who are committed to continuing their education and research here in Nova Scotia," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. "These scholarships are helping more students and young people build a life and career here in Nova Scotia."

Masters and doctoral students could receive $10,000 or $15,000 in funding, renewable for up to four years. A third type of scholarship helps international graduate students cover fees.

"I lived and worked in other places after finishing my first degree, but always remained a very proud Nova Scotian," said PhD candidate and scholarship recipient Jenny Rand. "I came home to complete my graduate studies and this scholarship has given me the means to focus on my coursework and prepare for my doctoral research project. I fully plan to continue my community-based research career here in Nova Scotia."

Universities administer the graduate scholarship program using existing Canada Graduate Scholarship application processes and selection committees.

Recipients were selected based on their research potential, academic standing, and the link between their research and Nova Scotia's priority areas like health and wellness, oceans and marine technology, information and communications technology and life sciences.

Scholarships are allocated based on the number of graduate students enrolled at each university. Research can be supervised by professors at different schools, encouraging more collaboration among universities.

Government will invest $3.7 million in the graduate scholarship program annually, once it is fully phased in.


Following is more information on several of this year's scholarship recipients:

  • Jenny Rand, a PhD candidate at Dalhousie University from Blomidon, Kings Co., is exploring ways to help members of First Nations and Inuit communities take part in sexual health programs.

  • Jordan Carlson, a master's student of environmental studies at Dalhousie University from British Columbia, is working with professors from both Cape Breton University and Dalhousie, on advancements in renewable energy.

  • Crystal Weagle, from Danesville, Queens Co., is working toward a PhD in Dalhousie University's faculty of science. Ms. Weagle's research will provide better understanding of the serious health risks of long-term exposure to air pollution.

  • Diane LeBlanc, from Portuguese Cove, Halifax Regional Municipality, is a PhD candidate at Saint Mary's University. Ms. LeBlanc's research aims to help improve workplaces across Nova Scotia by studying conflict and conflict management programs within organizations.

  • Laura Graham, an earth sciences master's student at St. Francis Xavier University, is doing research that contributes to the safety and efficacy of clean energy technologies.

  • Haoliang He, a master's student of nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University, is researching the effects the modern food industry and parents' influence have on obesity and Type 2 diabetes among young people.

  • Victoria Cox, originally from Barbados, has chosen Nova Scotia to do her master's thesis at Mount Saint Vincent University. Ms. Cox's research is focusing on dietary interventions among university students, and the various factors that impact their dietary choices.

  • Manila Tanafranca is a member of the master of arts in family studies and gerontology program at Mount Saint Vincent University. Ms. Tanafranca's research involves the study of social injustice, the social construction of gender relations and family violence.