profiles
profiles

2014 Graduate Profiles

ottO Bédard

ottO Bédard '09, MSc, Environmental and Life Sciences

 

President’s Medal Recipient

Via bicycle or canoe, ottO Bédard has explored the great landscapes of this country from the Rockies to the rivers of Northern Ontario to the hills along the Fundy coastline. He has always loved maps and marvels at the sweeping impact of wind and water on landforms. Now, working at Environment Canada and receiving recognition for his efforts as a graduate student with the President’s Medal, ottO is being rewarded for his stellar work within a beloved discipline.  

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Sarah Buttle

Sarah Buttle '11, Honours, B.Sc., Anthropology and Biology, Lakefield, ON

Governor General’s Silver Medal Recipient

 

Sarah Buttle dreams of going to medical school. She came to Trent to build upon her understanding that a myriad of biological, social and cultural factors determine our health and wellbeing, and the impacts of disease. “I have been interested in human health and behaviour since high school,” said Sarah. “The opportunity to pursue a joint major in Anthropology and Biology at Trent allowed me to take a unique perspective that combined all of my interests.” 

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Irene Brueckner-Irwin

Irene Brueckner-Irwin '09, BSc. Honours Environmental Chemistry, Kingston, ON

Irene Brueckner-Irwin wants to create a more open-minded world. Trent’s experiential learning style and fostering of interdisciplinary dialogue has given her the background she needs to do just that.

While pursuing a degree in Environmental Chemistry, Irene also fuelled her diverse interests by taking on a minor in International Development, drawing inspiration from faculty like Dr. Jackie Solway whose excitement about her field was infectious. “It always amazed me what a wealth of knowledge our Trent professors are,” said Irene. “I think the most special impact a professor can have is to inspire students to love what they do.”

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Juan Ignacio Burneo

Juan Ignacio Burneo M. '10, B.A. International Development Studies and Politics, Quito, Ecuador

Juan Ignacio Burneo came to Trent all the way from Quito, Ecuador, with the firm belief that every individual can harness their own power to make a difference and create a just society. Having grown up in a developing nation, he wants to use his new-found passion for urban development and his accompanying degree in International Development Studies and Politics to resolve the complex societal and structural problems he experienced first-hand.

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Nora Casson

Nora Casson '09, Ph.D., Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Kingston, ON

Governor General’s Gold Medal Recipient

 

Nora Casson is on a mission to protect the quality of a precious commodity: our freshwater. She believes Trent was the perfect place to blend her love of the great outdoors and scientific curiosity. “One big advantage of the EnLS graduate program at Trent is that it's small but focused,” said Nora. “There are many ecosystem scientists studying different aspects of forests, water and nutrients. Trent is also ideally situated with many potential study sites in close proximity which are great for field work.” 

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Lindsay Dixon

Lindsay Dixon '10, B.A., Psychology, Peterborough, ON

 

Bagnani Medal Recipient

 

Long before Lindsay became a successful part-time, mature student at Trent, she held a life-long interest in visual arts and psychology. She fuelled those dual passions by working in mental health support services, training as a social service worker and studying Expressive Art Therapy (EXAT). Now as a Trent graduate, she has been awarded the Professor Gilbert Bagnani Medal for high overall standing in the General program. 

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Michael Donaldson

Michael Donaldson '07, Ph.D., Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Markham, ON

Michael Donaldson’s ground-breaking doctoral work at Trent could forever change the way we manage global food supplies or even fight life-threatening disease. He is passionate about the biotechnology and genomics research he is conducting, which studies the impact of fungal pathogens on plants. As an experienced researcher in the private sector and the world of academia, Michael chose to conduct his doctoral work at Trent after discussing ideas for his thesis with associate professor of Forensics, Dr. Barry Saville.

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Brittney Forester

Brittney Forester '10, B.Sc. Honours, Psychology, Oshawa, ON

Brittney Forester’s education in Psychology at Trent University Oshawa solidified her dream to become a teacher, and also unveiled a new interest in child and adolescent research. For Brittney, the Psychology faculty at Trent were instrumental in helping her to develop as an educational professional. “The professors and staff of Trent University Oshawa are the staples of our campus,” said Brittney. “Each faculty member has unique knowledge and experiences to share, but their absolute specialty is fostering drive in our students and evoking critical thought.” In turn, Brittney’s professors believe she “exemplifies the smart, hard-working, compassionate, community-spirited student that makes Trent great.”

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Sarah Gallen

Sarah Gallen ’09, B.A., Honours Psychology, Oshawa, ON

Sarah Gallen got hooked on psychology in her first year at Trent University Oshawa. Her studies revealed how our brains determine everything from our behaviour and language to what makes us different, changing her understanding of human relationships and her perception of the world around her. Most importantly, her time at Trent taught her a great deal about herself.

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Julia Grummit

Julia Grummitt '11, M.A., History, Toronto, ON

 

President’s Medal Recipient

 

Julia Grummitt’s Master’s thesis examined the work of repeat photographer Camilo José Vergara, who, since 1979, has provided an ongoing visual account of the stark demise of once-vibrant cities in post-industrial America. Julia’s research delved into questions about the visualization of socio-economic inequalities, dealing not only with the aesthetics of architectural ruin, but also considering how these images represent marginalized communities and the slow process of deindustrialization. 

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Susan Jones

Susan Jones '12, B.A., Indigenous Studies, Peterborough, ON

 

Bagnani Medal Recipient

 

Susan Jones knows how to inspire curiosity among her young students. She also knows a thing or two about balancing it all. As a parent of four boys and a full-time early childhood educator (ECE) with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Susan came to Trent to earn a degree in Indigenous Studies. 

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Amanda King

Amanda King ’11, B.A., Business Administration, Peterborough, ON


Amanda’s sharp business mind is a natural extension of her experience growing up within a family-run business environment. After transferring to Trent in 2011 to further develop her interests in business development and management, Amanda discovered new perspectives into the ever-changing business world. More importantly, through her studies and extra-curricular activities she learned how she herself can make a difference.

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Abbigail Lawrance

Abbigail Lawrance '10, B.A., Honours Gender and Women’s Studies, Waterford, ON

Abbigail Lawrance is a devoted advocate for global social justice, a defender of those marginalized in the world today, and now an Honours graduate from Trent. Out of deep concern regarding the long lasting implications of colonization faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world, Abbigail enrolled in Trent’s Gender and Women’s Studies. She wanted to understand and change how power relations in today’s society contribute to inequities experienced by marginalized groups. “Through my time at Trent University, I have come to understand the connectivity of social injustices and the collectivity that is necessary to combat such oppressions on a global scale,” Abbigail stated.

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April Lawson

April Lawson '12, B.Ed., Consecutive Bachelor of Education Program, Peterborough, ON

 

April Lawson is not afraid to dream big in her hopes that her students will do wonderful things. That belief is held by Mitch Champagne, who was April’s practicum advisor during her B.Ed. at Trent. April’s professors, colleagues and students all recognize that April has found her true calling at the head of the classroom. With future plans to work with primary and junior students, April taught her grade one students with emotion and compassion during her hands-on teaching experience.

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Liam Ledgerwood

Liam Ledgerwood '10, B.A. Honours, Business Administration and International Political Economy, Whitby, ON

Symons Medal Recipient

 

At Trent University, you will never feel like just a number in the crowd, says Liam Ledgerwood. He appreciates the wide academic offerings at Trent University that fed his multiple interests during his joint major in Business Administration and International Political Economy.  However, he is a firm believer that dedication to interests outside of the classroom is just as critical as hitting the books, suggesting that what you get out of your education is a direct reflection of what you put into it.

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Susanne Luehr

Susanne Luehr '09, B.A. Honours Psychology and Sociology, Germany

 

Susanne Luehr is a mother, a mature student, and believes that anything is possible. In addition to research on psychopathy and sexual fantasy, her hands-on thesis research in Sociology at Trent University Oshawa brought her face-to-face with the victims of human trafficking, as she investigated this social phenomenon from the perspective of the human service workers in the field.

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Brian Lukaszewicz

Brian Lukaszewicz ’11, B.Sc., Honours, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peterborough, ON

 

Symons Medal Recipient

 

Brian Lukaszewicz has always been fascinated with the complexity and versatility of life. The fact that he enjoys studying Biochemistry as much as he loves writing movie reviews for the Trent Arthur reflects that. After a diverse range of accolades were bestowed on Brian while at Trent, receiving the Symons’ Medal for high academic standing at graduation is the crowning glory. 

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Nicole MacDonald '12, M.Sc. Environmental and Life Sciences, Cape Breton, NS

 

Nicole cares deeply for the great outdoors and the welfare of the wildlife that call it home.  As a Masters student, Nicole felt Trent‘s broad scope of expertise was a natural complement for her work with species at risk, wildlife ecology and ultimately avian research.

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Jason Mann

Jason Mann '10, B.Sc., Forensic Science and Psychology, Cobourg, ON

 

From the moment Jason listened to a guest lecturer from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office in a first-year Forensic Science course, he knew that a career as a forensic fire investigator was for him. Trent University offered Jason the chance to participate in an experiential learning project through the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education that would help him to make that dream a reality. 

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Dilyana Mincheva

Dilyana Mincheva '09, Ph.D. Cultural Studies, Bulgaria

 

President’s Medal Recipient

 

Dilyana Mincheva came to Trent as an international student after earning her Master’s through the interdisciplinary study of society, culture and religion in Sofia, Bulgaria. Now as she receives her Doctor of Philosophy, she is also the recipient of the President’s Medal at Trent, awarded in recognition of academic excellence and achievement at the graduate studies level.  

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Lori Mosienko

Lori Mosienko '10, B.Sc., Nursing, Ottawa, ON

 

Lori’s passion for a nursing career was ignited while she was working in an administrative role at the BC Center for Disease Control in Vancouver. She enjoyed working with the public but knew that she needed to take her career toward a more hands-on, caregiving role. “Over time, my fascination with the front-line work grew, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Lori. “I honed in on nursing, wanting the intellectual and physical challenges it offered.”  

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Jennifer Morgan

Jennifer Morgan '10, Honours, B.Sc., Chemistry, Mathematics, Milton, ON

 

Jennifer Morgan wants to provide solutions to evolving industrial environmental concerns. She was always intrigued by math and science, but after taking Chemistry and Mathematics courses at Trent, she saw a new career path exploring the potential vast implications of 'green' polymers that can be tailored for use in plastics, rubbers and 'smart' materials in a variety of fields including medicine, transportation and manufacturing.

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Emily Nield

Emily Nield '09, Honours B.Sc., Physics and Geography, Kleinburg, ON

 

Emily Nield is intensely interested in the world around her – as far out as sand dunes on Mars. Her love of planetary science is taking her farther than many could imagine, and Trent University is helping Emily to reach her lofty career goals.

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Jun Oh

Jun Oh '09, Honours B.Sc., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peterborough, ON

 

Jun Oh is bracing for an epic battle to save lives. With his degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology he is poised for future medical victories, utilizing the power of natural killer cells to safely eliminate viruses that cause chronic or deadly infections.

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Sara Ostrowska

Sara Ostrowska ’10, B.A., Honours, Philosophy and Political Studies, Hamilton, ON

 

Ever since Sara was introduced to philosophy in eighth grade, she knew she had to learn more. Now as a Trent graduate with Honours in Philosophy and Political Studies, she is considering many possibilities on the road ahead. “Philosophy is used in so many aspects of our lives every day, what else could be more useful?” Sara reflects. 

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Kelsey Spence

Kelsey Spence '10, B.Sc., Forensic Science and Biology, Toronto, ON

 

Kelsey Spence likes an intellectual challenge. Her Entrance and Full Tuition Scholarships prove it. Unlike many of us, however, she also likes infectious diseases -- more accurately, she likes to study their patterns and how they affect the population.

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Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor '10, B.A., International Development and Gender and Women, Hampton, ON

 

Sara Taylor knows she has the power to change peoples’ lives for the better, a conviction that was strengthened at Trent. In her first year, Sara walked into the Gender Women and Studies 1000 course, fell in love with the subject and consequently pursued a joint major in International Development and Gender and Women. 

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Julian Tennent-Riddell

Julian Tennent-Riddell ’10, B.A., Honours, Indigenous Environmental Studies, Minor Hispanic Studies, Peterborough/Nogojiwanong, ON

 

Symons Medal Recipient

 

Julian arrived at Trent University deeply concerned about protecting the environment and tackling climate change. After four years in the Indigenous Environmental Studies program, the Symons Medal winner is leaving Trent with an activist’s passion, and a broader understanding of pressing legal issues as they relate to the environment and Indigenous peoples. He has gained a more holistic approach to the environment and an unshakeable devotion to issues such as food justice and fossil fuel divestment. In turn, Julian values his highly interdisciplinary education at Trent that played a role in leading him to where he is today.  

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Julian Tennent-Riddell

Linh Thi Thuy Tran '10, B.A., Honours, Economics, Vietnam

 

Symons Medal Recipient

 

Linh fell in love with Economics as part of her International Baccalaureate studies in high school in Vietnam. In 2010, she came all the way to Peterborough, Canada, to pursue her passion at Trent University. “As an international student from a developing country, I am particularly interested in international trade, economic integration and development,” said Linh. “This interest has been further nurtured by the knowledge, dedication and encouragement from Trent’s faculty in the Department of Economics.”

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Scott Wight

Scott Wight ’11, B.Sc., Nursing, Peterborough, ON

 

Symons Medal Recipient

 

Scott Wight’s interest in nursing leadership in modern medicine reflects his nature: he has always liked to make people feel good and feels it is important to create a positive and welcoming environment for others. Scott is a recent graduate of the compressed Trent Nursing program. Through academic studies and clinical placements, Scott quickly realized that nursing encompasses much more than just what happens at the bedside.

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