Avery Chan, 2023 BCIA Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Avery (he/him) is a 4th year student at UBC, majoring in Environmental Sciences. Growing up around Greater Vancouver, he has always been fascinated with everything ‘environment’, from the lichen on street trees to the mountains on the North Shore.

Currently, he works part-time as an undergraduate research assistant with the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes (SAL) Lab at UBC. He has also previously worked in various roles in regional planning and environmental education. His agrology-related interests include biogeochemical cycles, soil science, and agricultural land use management and planning.  

 

Kayla Harris, 2023 BCIA Graduate Scholarship Recipient

Kayla is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Geoscience at the University of Calgary. With a keen interest in the intricate dynamics of climate, groundwater, and surface water, her research is focused on evaluating their interactions in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Her academic journey started at the Southern Alberta Institute for Technology, where she successfully obtained a Diploma in Environmental Technology in 2018. Following that, she transferred to Royal Roads University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science in 2019.

Living in southeast corner of British Columbia, she has had the privilege of working alongside non-profit organizations, consultants, and industry experts, gaining invaluable experience along the way. This diverse background has not only honed her skills but also provided her with a well-rounded perspective and a comprehensive understanding of agrology. She is excited to continue learning and contribute to a more resilient future in water security.

Katarina Duke, AAg, 2022 BCIA Graduate Scholarship Winner

What are your areas of practice? What is your expertise?

Two areas of practice: (1) Water resource planning and management and (2) Rural community development and support.

Expertise: Developing community-based monitoring programs; Indigenous-led ecological restoration and food sovereignty initiatives; Rural water resource management.

Why did you choose the career in which you are currently?

My career aspirations have evolved through my years as a military spouse. From the desire to be an engineer as a teenager, my life has pivoted towards a career that contributes to water security, biodiversity conservation, and rural community development. Despite these many pivotal moments in my life, the constant motivation in choosing a career was my aspiration to help build a legacy for present and future generations—an opportunity I have been blessed with thanks to Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations (KCFN).

I chose to pursue a career with an Indigenous community as it provides the opportunity for continuous learning, contributes to a range of projects, and allows a blended work environment (i.e., office and field work). Most importantly, it is the personal growth from being immersed within an Indigenous culture and learning from their wealth of knowledge.

Paula Eraso, 2022 BCIA Undergraduate Scholarship Winner

Paula grew up in Chilliwack, BC, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). An interest in biology initially led her to an undergraduate degree in Health Science at UNBC. A very engaging professor captivated her interest in plant science, and she soon found herself transferring to the horticulture program back in her hometown.

During her undergrad, Paula completed co-ops in pest management of invasive crop pests with Dr. Wim van Herk (Agriculture Agri-Food Canada) and under provincial entomologist Tracy Hueppelsheuser (BC Ministry of Agriculture). She also gained management experience in the cut-flower industry while working at Lakeland Flowers in Abbotsford.

This past year, she has discovered a deep interest in sustainable and urban agriculture. She is currently taking part in a study abroad year in Lille, France, where she is taking courses in urban farming and European food chains. She hopes to return to Canada as an English-French bilingual speaker and to pursue further studies in sustainable agriculture.

BCIA Scholarship Program.

*Watch for new information regarding the 2024 scholarship program starting September 2024*

To support future Agrologists to achieve their career in agrology, the BC Institute of Agrologists awards up to $1500 in scholarships in each category: graduate and undergraduate, respectively.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Scholarship applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be currently enrolled in a degree program (online or hybrid) related to agrology at any recognized post-secondary institution;
  • Undergraduate students must have completed at least two (2) years of an undergraduate degree program and be full-time students. They must have a B+ average academic achievement in the previous two (2) years with a minimum of 15 courses towards a degree in agrology‐related studies.
  • Graduate students may be full or part-time students.
  • Be a student member or a Registrant of BCIA ;
  • Be Canadian or be a permanent resident of Canada;
  • Submit an essay of 750-900 words (new essay question each year).

Submissions are evaluated on idea development, essay presentation, style, staying on topic, and understanding of the profession of agrology.

Scholarship recipients will have their photos and essay published in the BC Institute of Agrologists' promotional materials, social media, and website.

To submit your application, please enclose your essay, official transcripts, and a completed application form and email the package to Jasmine Wong at PD@bcia.com.

Download the 2023 BCIA Scholarship Application Form

View the 2023 BCIA Essay Writing Guide

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