David Shadlock ’13
Symons Medal Winner
B.B.A. Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting
Port Perry, Ontario
Recognized by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce with the 2016 Student Business Leadership Bursary for his leadership on campus, David Shadlock is devoted to helping those around him succeed in life, learning and work. No matter the subject, be it Mathematical Economics or Applied Calculus, he finds reward by helping fellow students master something new. With hopes of becoming a professor himself, he knows these experiences will help him achieve his long term goals.
“The biggest thing Trent University has done is provide me with the opportunity to excel. I have been a part of a variety of academic initiatives such as president of the Trent Accounting Society, Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) leader, teaching assistant for Organizational Behaviour, and ambassador for Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Ontario. The skills I have learned from positions such as these, in addition to excellent references, gave me the tools to successfully pursue a master’s degree.”
What’s Next: Mr. Shadlock will be attending the University of Toronto for the Master of Management & Professional Accounting (MMPA) program.
Dawn Martin ’13
B.A. Indigenous Studies, Queen’s-Trent Concurrent Education
Six Nations of the Grand River
» Dawn Martin's Spotlight Video
Dawn Martin exemplifies leadership at Trent. A recipient of the Robert Lightbody Prize, the Enwayaang: The Way We Speak Together Trent University Native Student Association award and the Jennifer Reed Leadership Scholarship, Ms. Martin held key roles within the TUNA, and helped develop the new Indigenous B.Ed. program through the Aboriginal Education Council. Whether introducing Wab Kinew at the annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering through rap, creating her own reading course, learning from Indigenous Peoples in Mexico, or publishing poetry and short stories, Ms. Martin created a unique learning experience for herself here at Trent.
“For the Concurrent Education program, I enjoyed my placements the most. I was able to observe, teach and assist in classrooms and meet some amazing students. Within Indigenous Studies, I enjoyed many opportunities to learn about Indigenous knowledge systems from elders around the world. I also gained a lot of knowledge about my own culture.”
What’s Next: Ms. Martin will be attending Queen’s University to complete her Bachelor of Education. She hopes to further study the Kanienkehá, Mohawk language and revitalize traditional Rotinoshonni seeds and planting methods.
Eliza McColl ’13
Governor General Silver Medal
B.Sc. Honours, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Glencoe, Ontario
» Eliza McColl's Spotlight Video
Always the first in line to lead tours of the Chemistry Building, Eliza McColl loves to tell people how much she loves Trent University. Ms. McColl treasured her time at Trent, studying with her peers at the Chemistry Undergraduate Society; a group she also led as president. Ms. McColl’s hard work at Trent resulted in many scholarships and awards, including the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award for her work as a research assistant. Her honours thesis project recently garnered her first prize in the biochemistry section at the Southern Ontario Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference.
Looking ahead, Ms. McColl feels Trent gave her a distinct advantage, leaving her with the confidence and experience necessary to pursue her goals as a scientist.
“As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, you get to have the best of both worlds. This program opened my eyes to so many fields of science I didn’t even know existed, and showed me how seemingly polar opposite fields can actually intersect in very interesting applications. I leave this program with a love of chemistry and a desire to enter a field that involves aspects of both biology and chemistry.”
What’s Next: Ms. McColl will be pursuing a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Toronto.
Jeet Adhvaryu ’11
B.Sc. Honours, Biology with Specialization in Health Sciences
Toronto, Ontario
» Jeet Adhvarya's Spotlight Video
Jeet Adhvaryu looks back at the opportunity he had to conduct and design his own undergraduate thesis as an intriguing, demanding and rewarding part of his Trent experience.
Mr. Adhyaryu was also deeply impacted and honoured by the acceptance of his review paper on placental bacteria into the Journal of Undergraduate Studies (JUST). As a dedicated volunteer in the wider community, Mr. Adhvaryu proudly served the Trent University Emergency First Response Team (TUEFRT) for five years in a variety of roles, including program director. A life-changing placement at The Ear Company, also allowed him to hone his hands-on leadership skills.
“Many courses offer lab components to provide hands-on experience. However, in the eight months I spent working and learning with an audiologist, I developed innumerable skills, and learned directly from patients. It was like conducting a case study every day! My placement really strengthened my passion for medicine, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity.”
What’s Next: Mr. Adhvaryu plans to travel Europe before attending medical school.
Emilee Storfie ’14
B.Sc. Honours, Forensic Science
Lethbridge, Alberta
After completing a fourth-year honours thesis, Emilee Storfie feels her time at Trent has enabled her to grow as a researcher and inspired her to pursue graduate studies. During her undergrad at Trent, Ms. Storfie served as an academic assistant and was very involved in the Forensic Science Society. She enjoyed the hands-on learning experiences she had during mock crime scene investigations at Trent’s on-campus Crime Scene House and also during her placement in the Forensic Identification Unit of the Lethbridge Regional Police. In recognition of her academic achievements, Ms. Storfie was twice awarded the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award.
“I have been interested in forensic science since high school, but it wasn’t until I began classes in the program at Trent that my passion really sparked. Wrongful convictions and the need for research in certain fields of forensic science have inspired me to move on with research in this field.”
What’s Next: Ms. Storfie plans to attend graduate school abroad to earn a master’s degree in Forensic Science and to continue her research.
Kayla Goguen ’13
B.Sc. Honours, Biology and Geography
Toronto, Ontario
“The best part of my academic program was the ability to customize my degree. I think identifying a connection between two subjects gives you an edge. A joint major in Biology and Geography gave me the opportunity to dive into my interests and the tools to succeed. Because of Trent, I can see a path ahead that will hopefully lead to the career of my dreams.”
As a research assistant and honours thesis student, Kayla Goguen found many opportunities at Trent to indulge in her love of nature and field research. To further understand issues facing aquatic ecosystems, Ms. Goguen tailored her multidisciplinary degree to focus on hydrology and fluvial geomorphology. In addition to winning the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award, her work was also supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ms. Goguen served as secretary and president of the Trent University Geography Society and subsequently earned the Founder’s Prize in Geography.
What’s Next: Ms. Goguen will pursue an M.Sc. degree in Geography at the University of Western Ontario. While there, she will be focusing on the effects of large woody debris on sediment transport in urban streams.
Kennedy Sage ’13
B.Sc. Nursing
Millbrook, Ontario
Through her undergraduate degree at Trent, Kennedy Sage feels that she has found her true passion. Through the hands-on learning and clinical placements she experienced in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, Ms.Sage believes that Trent provided her with the opportunity to learn, grow and transform into the person and nurse she is today. Now, she looks ahead to a future in the field she loves and a life of learning.
“I feel the program helped to prepare me for the real world of nursing by giving me the essential skills and critical thinking abilities that I need to be a successful nurse. The amazing nursing faculty are always willing to help when you need a little extra support.”
What’s Next: Ms. Sage is working full-time in the Emergency Department of a hospital in Lindsay, Ontario where, thanks to a new graduate initiative, she is working under the mentorship of an experienced nurse.
Mikeela Skellekie ’13
B.A. Honours, Psychology
The Valley, Anguilla
»Mikeela Skellekie's Spotlight Video
Mikeela Skellekie describes her days at Trent as “the best days of her life so far.” As an international student, Ms. Skellekie loved helping students from other countries through the Trent International Student Association, the TACSU Recreational Dance Team, the Trent International Orientation Camp, and the Trent African Caribbean Student Union. At Trent, Ms. Skellekie also realized her dreams of conducting psychological research and found true inspiration in the field of Neuropsychology.
“Through academics, special interest groups, activism, cultural exchange and many other avenues, my experience at Trent has provided me with the optimal conditions to push myself in directions I didn’t think were possible. For anything that life throws at me after Trent, I can say that my time here has definitely prepared me to challenge conventional ways of thinking and problem solving.”
What’s Next: As she prepares to start a graduate degree, Ms. Skellekie plans to further study Psychology and gain additional research experience.
Olivia Williams ’13
B.A. Honours, English Literature, Emphasis in Law and Policy
Trent University Durham – GTA
Oshawa, Ontario
“Trent Durham has equipped me with the necessary skills and confidence to continue my education and my career. The flexibility and broad applicability of my program has given me a robust diversity of knowledge and has set an excellent foundation for specializing in my master’s degree. In addition, Trent has honed my writing, research, and critical thinking skills to such a level that will not only embolden my career aspirations, but will enable me to act and grow as an involved person, no matter where I go.”
Olivia Williams credits Trent University Durham – GTA with broadening her critical thinking skills and helping her to form a fantastic network of peers. Throughout her time at Trent Durham, Ms. Williams had the chance to explore topics in Sociology, Philosophy, Political Science and History, while expanding her English Literature studies. This Bews Scholarship winner was also actively involved in the Trent community working as a research assistant and a Career Services assistant, while also participating in the Academic Mentoring Program and organizing the popular Career Gala.
What’s Next: Ms. Williams will complete a master’s degree in International Affairs at Carleton University with hopes of pursuing a career in national security and public policy.
Brittany Gaetan ’10
B.Ed. I/S Division - English & Visual Art
Burlington, Ontario
“Once I began to view my degree as something I pursued for me, and not for a job, everything seemed to fall into place. The new two-year B.Ed. program provides more opportunity for placement and practice, which means that I feel extremely prepared and excited for my career. Trent has prepared me for any pathway as I have learned how to think critically and how to embrace new perspectives, which is something crucial for my goal of working and living abroad.”
After completing the Teacher Education Stream program as an English student, Brittany Gaetan decided to return to Trent to complete a Bachelor of Education. Through her practicum, Ms. Gaetan taught English as a Second Language in Kandy, Sri Lanka. While at Trent, Ms. Gaetan also embraced a number of opportunities to learn and help others including participating in an educational brigade with the School of Nursing/Friends of Honduran Children, and teaching English Language Learners through Trent Students for Literacy.
What’s Next: Ms. Gaetan will teach intermediate/senior students in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Brendan Edge ’15
Hons. BA in Canadian Studies
Arnprior, Ontario
Captivated by politics, athletics and theatre, Brendan Edge transferred to Trent University to pursue his B.A. in Canadian Studies. A former candidate for the Parti Vert du Quebec, this recipient of several scholarships was also involved in Trent’s theatre community and rowing team.
“I became more interested in Canadian Studies and I knew I wanted to do my master’s degree here. Coming to Trent gave me a chance to fully explore, and excel, in my academic interests –even when the subject matter was challenging. Being part of the rowing and athletic community taught me the importance of balancing school, social events, and healthy decisions to live a fully happy and healthy life.”
What’s Next: Mr. Edge will pursue his master’s degree at the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies at Trent to study the relationship between state and sexuality. He hopes to join the reserves and continue his work at Trent University.
Brigitte Evering ’09
Ph.D. Indigenous Studies
Cobourg, Ontario
After many years as an educator, Brigitte Evering had the desire to return to school, but only for the right program. She found that program at Trent – the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, in which she could do research that would be relevant to people interested in addressing urgent environmental concerns. This Vanier Canada graduate scholar is a founding member of the Health Environmental and Indigenous Communities Research Group (HEIC) and the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science youth program (TRACKS).
Ms. Evering feels collaborative learning opportunities through the First Peoples House of Learning have enhanced her research with relevance and innovation. In her graduate work within the Indigenous Studies program, Ms. Evering and her colleagues co-created a “Know*ledge Constellation Story’ and a ‘Re*constellating Teaching-Learning Story” to support a new way of learning about and practising knowledge integration when addressing community environmental issues.
“The unique opportunity to work and think with people at Trent who are interested in the practice and potential of bringing together multiple knowledges, including Indigenous, is unparalleled. My time at Trent prepared me to work respectfully and responsibly in Indigenous contexts, while helping me to be clear about my position as a non-Indigenous, Indigenous Studies scholar.”
What’s Next: Ms. Evering will continue to be involved with HEIC, TRACKS, and the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program. She is pursuing mentoring opportunities and is sharing her research through guest lecturing and writing.
Peter Vice ’13
B.B.A. with a Specialization in Marketing and Consumer Culture
Renfrew, Ontario
“I relate travel to school in many ways. So many people in business say the market isn’t good enough in their local area, when in reality they haven’t realized it’s potential. My study abroad experience has taught me to appreciate the world, Peterborough, and so much more! There are many things and places people don’t know about, but in order to realize it, you must take action, get out and explore.”
Peter Vice treasured his experience in Trent’s Study Abroad program which led to travel and studying Business Management at Northumbria University in Newcastle, England during his third year. Through his specialization in Marketing and Consumer Culture at Trent, he was able to discover many links between the different courses he was able to take during his time at Trent, and their role within a successful consumer and corporate relationship. A recipient of several scholarships and a member of Trent’s varsity rowing and volleyball teams, Mr. Vice feels his academic and sporting experiences, including the business case competition he took part in through the Canadian Association of Business Students, gave him the confidence to seize any opportunity that may arise in his future.
What’s Next: Mr. Vice landed a full-time position at Enterprise Rent-a-Car as a management trainee. He believes Trent prepared him for this job by developing his leadership and presentation skills.
Wai Shi Pang ’14
B.Sc. Biomedical Science
Malaysia
“I wanted to study abroad since I was in high school. I strongly believed that stepping out of my comfort zone would drive me to reach for greater opportunities. That’s exactly what I found at Trent. Trent provides undergraduates with vast opportunities to collaborate with graduate students and faculty members while honing their skills in scientific research. My journey at Trent has been one of self-realization.”
As a hands-on learner who thrives on practical experience, Ms. Pang found much fulfillment through an internship placement at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre where she worked in the surgical unit, and pathology and nephrology departments. The experience enabled her to apply in-class knowledge to real-life situations. Aspiring to become a physician herself, the Trent International (TI) scholarship recipient, and member of the Trent Southeast Asian Organization committee, felt her awe-inspiring preceptors also served as professional mentors.
What’s Next: Awarded the Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship provided by the government of Jiangsu province, Ms. Pang has been accepted by the Nanjing Medical University in China.
Theresa Strotesbury '12
Ph.D Materials Science
Ayr, Ontario
“I really enjoyed the fact that the Materials Sciences graduate program at Trent houses a variety of applied and theoretical projects. Working directly with professionals in the field added perspective and value to my research. I love that I had the opportunity to work with different departments and external agencies over the course of my Ph.D.”
Theresa Stotesbury created a realistic synthetic blood substitute for use in forensic science training and research initiatives including crime scenes and high school science classes. Her work, featured in Maclean’s Magazine, included collaboration with the OPP Forensic Identification Services, and a local secondary school where she sought to inspire young students to consider STEM-related careers. The President’s Medal winner was also awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship which elevated her doctoral research to the next level. A member of the Trent University Forensic Science Society, she also conducted research in New Zealand’s University of Canterbury and Institute of Environmental Science and Research.
What’s Next: Ms. Stotesbury would love to see continued growth of Impact Scientific, a group she helped to develop that researches and develops innovative technologies in forensic science.
Shelby Potier ’14
BAGNANI MEDAL WINNER
B.Sc. Biology
Bowmanville, Ontario
“I really enjoyed how hands-on the Biology program at Trent was. The opportunities truly are boundless. If there is something you want to do here, you can, and so many people will help you along the way.”
One of Shelby Potier’s favourite experiences at Trent was working open house and helping other students discover their Trent path. Fittingly she served as president of the Biology Undergraduate Society and participated in the Biology department’s tenure track hiring committee. Additionally the Bagnani Medal and National Renewable Entrance Scholarship recipient was able to participate in an archaeological study abroad course in Belize which she credits as an incredible travel and learning experience within a different discipline.
What’s Next: Ms. Potier is completing the Resources Drilling Technician program at Fleming College. Afterward she hopes to travel in a professional capacity that would allow her to utilize both her degree and diploma.
Tyler Jamieson ’13
PRESIDENT'S MEDAL WINNER
M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences
Mount Forest, Ontario
Thanks to the great relationships with faculty and high-quality research opportunities he experienced during his undergraduate degree in Ecological Restoration at Trent, Tyler Jamieson’s decision to return for his master’s degree in ENLS was an easy one. During his time at Trent, Mr. Jamieson, an Ontario Graduate Scholarship recipient and winner of the President’s Medal, examined biogeochemical impacts of selective timber harvest in Canadian Shield streams.
“I can say that some of the most rewarding experiences I had at Trent were my interactions with undergraduate students while I was a teaching assistant. It’s very rewarding to teach a subject that you’re very passionate about and to have students respond with enthusiasm and interest.”
What’s Next: His next step is to spend as much time with his family as he can and to start a career doing what he loves. Now working at an environmental consulting company in Peterborough, he is applying the skills he learned.
Alaine Spiwak ’13
B.A. Honours International Development and Political Studies
Hamilton, Ontario
Alaine Spiwak transformed from transfer student to two-time president of the Trent Central Student Association during her time at Trent University. In her leadership role, she contributed to planning for the design and build of the new Student Centre, and led the install and launch of a yellow “Friendship Bench” on campus to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. For these accomplishments and more, she was awarded the Robert F. Stephenson Prize for Student Leadership. While building her leadership skills working at the Athletics Centre when she arrived on campus, Ms. Spiwak also launched Trent Free the Children and Trent Get REAL, a student-driven non-profit, that seeks to eliminate LGBTQ discrimination and bullying, and promote inclusivity. She recalls the opportunity to conduct research through an international development lens during a scientific field course in Barbados as a favourite Trent experience.
“The International Development and Politics departments have world-renowned professors. It was an honour to learn from people that were not only successful researchers, but actually lived and breathed development work and shared those experiences with us.”
What’s Next: Ms. Spiwak will begin a master’s program in International Affairs at Carleton University. Her goal is to work at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, an area that she grew passionate about through her work with the Indigenous community at Trent.
Jonathan Maves ’13,
B.A. Honours, Psychology, Teacher Education Stream,
Oshawa, Ontario
Jonathan Maves made a difference close to home at Trent Durham – GTA. A member of Disciples on Campus, the Pen Pal Program and various sports teams, Mr. Maves’ positive impact was honoured by students and staff with the Student Engagement Award and the Alumni Recognition Award. With plans to become a teacher, he earned valuable classroom experience teaching English as part of his academics and during a mission trip to Cambodia. He feels these valuable and encouraging experiences drove him to want more.
“The Psychology program was incredible and it really challenged me in a good way. Trent Durham – GTA and the degree I received have definitely helped to prepare me for my future. I feel like a lot of the information I learned and hands-on experience I acquired will benefit me in the long run as I become a teacher wherever I am in the world.”
What’s Next: Before attending teachers college Mr. Maves hopes to teach English abroad in Asia.