Through the BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship in Agriculture, top graduate students at the Faculty of Agriculture are being empowered to tackle some of the world's pressing challenges from sustainable food production to global health.
Kavindya Samarakoon, Msughter Guusu, and Victoria Eche, recipients of the BMO Financial Group Graduate Scholarship in Agriculture. (Johanna Matthews photos)
The award supports students pursuing MSc and PhD degrees, enabling them to dedicate their full attention to research that could transform how we grow, process and consume food.
"By supporting these young scientists, BMO is helping drive research at Dalhousie University," said Dr. Heather Bruce, dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Truro Campus principal. "Innovation at the post-secondary level does not happen without support from generous partners like BMO. We thank them for choosing to invest not only in our students but in agricultural innovation and sustainability."
Representatives from BMO were on campus recently to meet with three of the latest recipients.
Their discoveries have the potential to transform how we nourish communities and care for our planet.
"BMO is committed to supporting innovations that shape a more resilient and sustainable future," said Helen Seibel, vice president and head of employee and community giving at BMO.
"By supporting top graduate students from the Faculty of Agriculture, we're helping to empower bold thinkers who are tackling some of today's most urgent challenges," Seibel added. "Their discoveries have the potential to transform how we nourish communities and care for our planet, and BMO is proud to play a role in that journey."
Meet our scholars
Kavindya Samarakoon
Program of study: Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences in Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences
Kavindya has a bachelor's degree in biotechnology and a master's degree in medical microbiology. She is now combining her multidisciplinary research experience and knowledge to focus on valorizing agricultural by-products into functional foods with significant health benefits. She is specifically exploring how grape seeds, an underutilized by-product of the wine industry, may be used to help address metabolic disorders.
"I am deeply grateful to BMO whose generous support has been instrumental in my academic journey. Their contribution is not only an investment in my future but also an encouragement for me to reach great heights."
Msughter Guusu
Program of study: M.Sc. Agriculture in Engineering
Msughter's research has a focus on integrating engineering innovations into sustainable farming practices. He is currently conducting research on developing an innovative greenhouse cover that enhances crop yields, reduces heat generation and improves energy efficiency. This project integrates principles from his mechanical engineering background with advanced agricultural techniques to address pressing challenges in sustainable farming.
"Receiving this award has profoundly impacted my academic journey, it has alleviated financial stress and allowed me to dedicate my time and focus to research," he explained. "It also serves as a reminder that my efforts are supported by a community that values innovation and sustainability."
Victoria Eche
Program of study: M.Sc. Agriculture in Plant Food and Environmental Sciences.
Victoria studied Nutrition and Dietetics and is presently working on her master's research. She has an interest in agriculture including food growth and food production and its importance in our daily diet and the health sector. Her research involves protein extraction from brewery spent grain and exploring its use in food production.
"I appreciate this generous award which has made a difference in my academics," she added.
