Elizabeth Morrison '08, B.S.H. Biology, Peterborough ON
Symons Medal Recipient
Winning the Symons Medal for overall high standing upon graduation from Trent University, Elizabeth Morrison will be graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology. With a long list of awards under her name already, Ms. Morrison says that Trent facilitated change in how she looks at the world. Elizabeth is a community volunteer who works with children in her free time. She intends to pursue graduate work at Trent and explore her interests in virology and immunology.
How will you make a difference with your Trent degree?
Since being at Trent, I've grown not only in my academic knowledge, but as a person. Simply by being in the kind of positive environment that Trent offers, it has facilitated change in how I look at the world. I now think more critically, and am more aware of the world around me than I was before I came to Trent.
What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
The community was what I believe to be the best thing about studying at Trent. It's a small university that allows you to know, and be known by not only your peers, but also your professors, while receiving a world-class education. You know that there is always someone for you to talk to for advice, and that you are never 'lost' in the crowd. The community at Trent, with its beautiful and spacious campus, is what I believe sets Trent apart as an amazing University.
Another great thing about Trent is that you can build actual relationships with your professors. I was able to meet with professors and gain from their advice and guidance. In particular, I worked for Dr. Craig Brunetti in his lab during the summer of my third year. After this experience, I decided to do my undergraduate thesis with him in my fourth year. Because of the information I learned from Dr. Brunetti and the experience I gained by working with him, I gained the confidence and knowledge to now begin my masters degree with Dr. Brunetti in the fall.
Extracurricular activities:
I volunteered in the local community with local children, and performed in local choirs. These activities helped me to engage in things I loved to do and build up who I am apart from school.
Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
Trent Alumni Award (high academic achievement of a child of alumni)
Millenium Local Laureate Scholarship (for community involvement and academic achievement)
Trent National Renewable Scholarship (every year of undergrad, received for high academic achievement)
Two- time recipient of the Jean McKerracher Scholarship in Biology (for high academic achievement and to encourage promise in a career in the health sciences)
recipient of the Peter Gzowski Award for the highest average within the college for second and third year of university
recipient of the Peter Gzowski Graduating Award for the highest average of a graduating student from the college
Two- time recipient of an Undergraduate Research Award (USRA) from NSERC (for high academic achievement and to encourage research potential)
recipient of an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS M) from NSERC (for high academic achievement and research potential, funding for Master’s research in the field of natural sciences and engineering)
Trent Symons Medal (for high academic achievement for a graduating student)
When I received these awards it was an affirmation that all my hard work was being recognized. They served as encouragement from both a financial and personal point of view.
