Four exceptional graduate students pursuing research projects at Mount Saint Vincent University are among the latest recipients of Scotia Scholars Awards from Research Nova Scotia. The awards support the growth and retention of highly skilled individuals who are:
- advancing and translating knowledge in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention;
- strengthening health care delivery systems;
- caring for vulnerable populations; and
- promoting better opportunities for future health and wellbeing.
Funding for these awards is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. The MSVU students' projects share a focus on youth wellness, and span early childhood to adolescence. They explore psychological predictors of chronic absenteeism, school-based interventions for ADHD, school psychologists' experiences supporting newcomer students, and early childhood educators' perspectives on child-nature play.
Noted Research NS CEO Stefan Leslie: "Our role in strengthening health care in Nova Scotia is to harness the imagination and expertise of the research community to help solve challenges that influence Nova Scotians' health. The Scotia Scholars Award supports students who are contributing to health research now and who will help inform health care in the future."
Meet this year's four graduate Scotia Scholars Award winners from MSVU:
Robyn Ashley, PhD in Educational Studies student (Doctoral Scotia Scholar)
Project: Exploring Nova Scotia Early Childhood Educators' perspectives of child-nature relationships across outdoor play settings
Supervisor: Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac
Amount: $48,750
Katelyn Ford, MA in School Psychology student (Scotia Scholars Master's Award)
Project: Provincial Education Data for an Integrated Health System in Nova Scotia: A Focus on Psychological Predictors of Chronic Absenteeism
Supervisor: Dr. Krista Ritchie
Amount: $12,500
Dan Shanahan, MA in School Psychology student (Scotia Scholars Master's Award)
Project: Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Intervention for ADHD in Schools
Supervisor: Dr. Melissa McGonnell
Amount: $12,500
Yara Yazbek, MA in School Psychology student (Scotia Scholars Master's Award)
Project: A Qualitative Examination of School Psychologists' Knowledge of and Experiences with Supporting Newcomer Students in Nova Scotia Schools
Supervisor: Dr. Sara King
Amount: $12,500
Congratulations Robyn, Katelyn, Dan and Yara on your well-deserved Scotia Scholars Awards!
