Stephen Oni '07 Ph.D. Environmental & Life Sciences,
Iragbiji, Nigeria
President's Medal Recipient
Award winning Trent University Ph.D. graduate Stephen Oni ’07 is already working towards practical solutions for the planet. Currently working with researchers in Sweden, Dr. Oni is examining water quality in the northern boreal forest in Sweden.
Award winning Trent University Ph.D. graduate Stephen Oni ’07 is already working towards practical solutions for the planet. Currently working with researchers in Sweden, Dr. Oni is examining water quality in the northern boreal forest in Sweden.
Dr. Oni’s interest in Environmental Science began in Nigeria when he decided to investigate areas of research globally that could assist him in his quest to find solutions to the diverse environmental problems facing his own country. He found like-minded friends at Trent University.
Convocation profiles and video interviews will be posted leading up to Trent University's 45th Convocation June 6, 7, and 8, 2012 at trentu.ca/convocation.
On Winning the Trent University President’s Medal:
I am honoured to be receiving the President’s medal for science, considering the number of hardworking and brilliant graduate students at Trent University. This means so much to me as it is the highest award I have ever received; a reflection of the outstanding, dedicated and supportive faculty members at Trent. Truly, Trent is a place where excellence is recognized and diligence is rewarded.
I will diligently guard this and take the excellent sprit of Trent with me wherever I go…championing the course of greatness to lead the next generation.
The President’s Medal is awarded to the student with the highest academic record in Ph.D studies.
How will you make a difference with your Trent degree?
I believe I will make a difference with my Trent degree by applying the skills acquired, knowledge gained and connections established to help humanity by contributing my quota to solving global environmental problems. I am beginning to see myself living this dream now.
What are your future goals?
I am currently working with prominent research groups in Sweden, where we are looking at the impacts of climate change and forest management practices on the water quality in the Northern Swedish boreal forest.
Why did you choose Trent?
Initially, I was concentrating on bigger universities but later realized that relatively smaller-sized universities like Trent create a more friendly and conducive environment. At Trent University, both students and professors relate as friends and this has been one of our great assets and the main recipe for success of Trent graduates. My statement will not be complete without mentioning the serene location of the school with the characteristic Faryon Bridge bestriding the beautiful landscapes of the Otonabee River.
What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
The connections established with the prominent faculty members at the cutting- edge of research in their respective fields. Accessibility and timely responses of supervisors to both academic and non-academic challenges facing students.
Extracurricular activities:
I was the science liaison for the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at Trent University
Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
- Trent University Entrance Scholarship
- Dean’s Ph.D. scholarships 2007-2012
- America Charitable Trust Scholarship, 2009
- Bill Stolte Student paper award from Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA)
- Elsevier Award for article in Journal of Great Lake Research, 2011
