Three students win top prizes in Laurier’s inaugural Graduate Student Research Competition

Aug. 24, 2021

Wilfrid Laurier University is pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural Graduate Student Research Competition, in which master’s and PhD students were invited to present their research to a layperson audience in three minutes or less.

“Congratulations to our three impressive winners, all of whom were able to articulate their complex research in accessible, compelling ways,” says Douglas H. Deutschman, associate vice-president and dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The winners of the 2021 competition are:

First place ($1,000 prize)
Emily Odgen, MSc candidate in Integrative Biology
Impacts of Changing Permafrost Conditions on Plant Productivity in the Northern Boreal

Second place ($500 prize)
Sheryl Bourgaize, PhD candidate in Kinesiology
Collision Avoidance with Another Individual: The Influence of Person-Specific Characteristics

Third place ($250 prize)
Gissele Taraba, Master of Social Work
Exploring Compassion in Child Protection

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate Student Research Competition took place virtually in May. Participants recorded their three-minute presentations and submissions were adjudicated by members of Laurier’s Graduate Faculty Council. Competitors were judged on criteria including the use of clear language and their ability to engage audiences in their work.  

“We had 24 competitors this year which, particularly in challenging times, was a real testament to the perseverance of our graduate students,” says Deutschman. “It was inspiring to hear about their tremendously interesting and topical research.”

As the top two winners, Odgen and Bourgaize are invited to present at a research showcase event hosted by the University of Toronto in November. The event is sponsored by the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies.

All 24 submissions to the 2021 Graduate Student Research Competition are available to watch on Laurier’s YouTube channel.