On April 6, Ontario Council of Graduate Studies (OCGS) sponsored the inaugural “Ontario Graduate Studies Celebration of Academic Excellence” in Ottawa. Held at the scenic Royal Canadian Geographical Society on Sussex Drive, the event featured governor general award winners across the province – including Trent University’s own Dr. Julia Smith.

"It was an honour to be invited to and attend the inaugural OCGS Celebration of Academic Excellence and share the research that I completed at Trent University,” said Dr. Smith, whose Ph.D. in Canadian Studies won the governor general’s medal at Trent. “I am grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Joan Sangster, the faculty and staff of the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, and the School of Graduate Studies for their support and guidance during my time as a graduate student at Trent."

Trent’s dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Craig Brunetti, and Dr. Smith’s doctoral supervisor, Dr. Sangster were also invitees.

At the Ottawa event, Dr. Smith was one of tight governor general medalists to present lively five minute presentations on their doctoral research, showcasing academic excellence at the graduate level. 

The presentations ranged from Dr. Smith’s discussion of the history of organizing in the financial sector, to the discussion of theoretical physics, gender identity and botany.

Thinking of Graduate Studies at Trent? Learn more and apply today.