Scholarship Winners for Spring 2020
Congratulations to our Spring 2020 Scholarship Winners for everything they have accomplished. Their achievements embody our three pillars of academics, service, and leadership at the UAlberta Golden Key Chapter.
Please Note: Occasionally some of our scholarship winners wish to remain anonymous. If that is the case then they will not be found below.
Alicia MacDonald
"I am passionate about achieving equality in healthcare by finding new and innovative ways to provide lifesaving therapies to all who need them. This is why I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Mechanical Engineering. I use my free time to learn more about current healthcare technologies and where the gaps are between what people need and what is currently available. I did this while working as a research assistant in the Bionic Limbs for Improved Natural Control lab, I did it while running the UABiomed student team, and I did it while helping out at the Steadward center for individuals with disabilities.
Each of these experiences opened my eyes to new areas that are in need of innovation. It both inspires and motivates me to know that we still have a long way to go. My most recent learning endeavour is in my current internship with Medtronic in their Restorative Therapies Group. I am very grateful for this experience and all the previous ones for their contributions to my growth as an engineer and as a proponent of healthcare equality."
Jenny Le
“Jenny Le is a Bachelor of Science Honours Psychology student entering her 4th year this fall. Passionate about youth empowerment, she volunteers at non-profit organizations such as Jack.org, where she advocates for youth mental health, and Start2Finish, where she coaches children in physical activity and literacy at an inner city elementary school. She also served as Vice Chair of the City of Edmonton Youth Council's Social Equity subcommittee for two years, a group that strives to re-focalize social issues from a youth perspective.”
“My name is Jessica, and I have finished the third year of my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. I enjoy participating in research and have been a researcher of neural stem cells since my second year. I also enjoy oil painting and artistic pursuits in my free time in addition to hiking and enjoying the outdoors.”
Jessica Li
“My name is Justina Chemello and I am in my 4th year of my Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Adapted Physical Activity. I plan on pursuing my masters in Occupational Therapy. I am very passionate about working with people who experience disabilities and dedicate my time to organizations including The Steadward Center and ReYu Paralysis Recovery Center. I also work as an aquatic instructor, a physical therapist assistant, and I am a CSEP certified personal trainer. In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, and lifting weights.”
Justina Chemello
Louisa Lu
“Edmonton-born Louisa Lu is in her 2nd year of an after-degree in Education, with a major in Biological Sciences and a Minor in Music. Louisa is a member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association, as well as regularly volunteering at various senior centres around Edmonton, where she plays piano and violin.
At the U of A, Louisa volunteers as a Golden Mentor with the Golden Key Society; is the Vice-President of Marketing with the National Organization of Rare Disorders Student Association (NORDSA); volunteers with the Office of Global Surgery (Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry); and is a student volunteer with the Tateno Lab.
Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, Louisa was responsible for revitalizing the Strathcona Place Society through applying for grants and helping to install safety guards, protective shields, and numerous PPE precautions. She also volunteers her time playing piano and preparing props for the e4c Early Learning organization during their online Zoom meetings for children with special needs. Louisa also reached out to unemployed parents as a result of the pandemic, offering complimentary online music lessons. She’s also a regular volunteer with the Canadian Blood Services. Louisa enjoys teaching piano, violin, and music theory at her home-based music studio, and loves Scottish Country Dancing, as well as riding her Kijiji-bought electric bike and scooter. She also enjoys travelling and kayaking. Most importantly, she is a diehard fan of the Edmonton Oilers.”
Mariana Feijoo Ugalde
“I am Mariana Feijoo, and I am an international student from Mexico. I am in the Nutrition and Food Science, Dietetics Specialization program at the University of Alberta.
During my first year, I was able to achieve a very high GPA, but I only focused on studying, and I felt that I was missing something. I realized that I wanted to expand my university experience beyond the classroom by getting involved in the community. I am currently volunteering at the University of Alberta hospital in the Meal Companion program, where my responsibility is to provide companionship to patients during dinner time to enhance quality of care. I am also volunteering for the Ardrossan Elementary School Lunchbox program, where I am responsible for applying for nutrition grants to provide free lunches and bolster inclusivity.
A few facts about me are that I love learning about different cultures and meeting people around the world. During my free time, I like meeting up with friends, cook, watch tennis, and go for walks."
Rony Pain
“I am a fourth year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Biological Sciences / minoring in Psychology and aspire to go into the medical field once I complete my degree. Outside of school, I frequently volunteer at Alberta hospital by interacting with both acute and long term mental health patients. It brings me joy to make them smile just by talking or playing sports alongside them. Additionally, I volunteer at organizations such as the Canadian Ski Patrol and Habitat for Humanity. When I’m not busy studying or volunteering, you can find me swimming in the pool or reading the latest books.”
Sam Cuciz
“I'm a mechanical engineering student at the University of Alberta, entering my fourth year of studies. I'm passionate about learning the business side of engineering and am currently pursuing a minor in engineering management, completing technical electives such as legal studies, accounting, and marketing. Eventually, I'd love to work in the consulting industry and work towards a position as a project manager for an independent firm. Outside of school, I love to stay physically active, participating in Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and sprint training.”