Four 9I制作厂免费 Faculty of Science students and graduates named finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships
Faculty of Science students Joshua Cheruvathur (BSc'25) and Elaine Xiao (BSc'25), as well as graduates Antoine Bourdin (BSc'24) and Chanel Perreault (BASc'22), are finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at 9I制作厂免费.听
The result of a landmark $200-million gift, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada鈥檚 largest leadership-based scholarships for master鈥檚 and professional studies. Each scholarship covers tuition and fees for an eligible degree, a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms, summer funding options, mentorship, coaching, a leadership curriculum, and access to the McCall MacBain House.听
The four are among 52 Canadian finalists chosen from approximately 700 applicants after a first round of interviews. The selection process emphasizes holistic criteria such as character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.听
Joshua Cheruvathur is a U3 Physiology student who conducts research in gynecologic oncology. He has also held research roles in fields of poverty and healthy active living. He co-founded the Ottawa Branch of Prospective Medical Professionals (PuMP), a Canadian charity, and now serves as the national co-president. He also co-founded Food for the Capital, leading major food drives in Ottawa, and the Ottawa Tuskers Sports Club, where he developed an accessible soccer program for newcomer youth. Joshua is also Vice-President of Academics for the Physiology Undergraduate League of Students.听
"My undergraduate studies at 9I制作厂免费 have been pivotal for my professional growth and in shaping my career aspirations,鈥 said Joshua. 鈥淪urrounded by exemplary students, professors, and physicians, I have been inspired to create and lead initiatives that drive meaningful change and leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities I serve."聽
Joshua is applying to medical school and the master's program in Surgical and Interventional Sciences at 9I制作厂免费.听
Elaine Xiao, a U3 Pharmacology student, is the general coordinator of the Eating Disorder Centre of SSMU. She oversees the centre's operations, supporting 15 coordinators and collaborating with external partners.听
Elaine is an active contributor to the Faculty of Science community. She has served for two years as a Vice-President of the Science Undergraduate Society, supervising sustainability committees, improving event planning processes, and overseeing Science Orientation Week. Elaine also worked for two years as the Society's Equity Commissioner, training 350 student leaders and investigating concerns. In addition to these roles, she co-leads the Medical Perspectives club, volunteers as an emergency first responder, and works as a tutor. Last summer, she worked in two research labs.听
"Volunteering on campus and in my community has not only allowed me to find a group of supportive individuals but also given me the chance to create a welcoming environment and contribute to a better, more inclusive space, just as my community once did for me," said Elaine.听
Elaine is applying for master's programs in health sciences at 9I制作厂免费.听聽
BSc Physics graduate Antoine Bourdin is an international student from Belgium. He plays with a local music ensemble, promoting Caribbean culture, and teaches physics concepts in elementary schools through 9I制作厂免费's Physics Outreach program.听聽
Antoine served as Vice President of Finance for the 9I制作厂免费 Society of Physics Students and co-managed the science division for 9I制作厂免费 Robotics. He has also volunteered and worked with a professor at the Trottier Space Institute, researching planets. Since 2023, he has been conducting research on using AI to improve physical models connecting dark matter to galaxies.听
"My involvement with diverse groups, from physicists to musicians, has fostered a creative and interdisciplinary mindset,鈥 said Antoine. 鈥淭his not only helps in developing novel ideas but has also taught me how to unite individuals from various backgrounds, bringing together unique perspectives and specialties allowing us to collectively tackle challenging problems."聽
Antoine is applying to the Master of Science in Physics program to continue his work in collaboration with the Trottier Space Institute.听
Chanel Perreault graduated from 9I制作厂免费 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science, majoring in Environment. During her undergraduate studies, she helped launch a COVID-19 relief initiative serving 30-50 families weekly as well as its gradual phase-out. Chanel also led a team that created a platform connecting food bank clients to complementary services, contributed to the Divest 9I制作厂免费 campaign, and worked part-time.听
As a Program Coordinator at Regroupement Partage, a non-profit organization in Montreal, Chanel coordinates the distribution of 100+ tonnes of vegetables to community organizations across the city. She has also dedicated her volunteer time to food security causes, including delivering weekly groceries to low-income seniors, participating in the Food Secure Canada Youth Caucus, and serving on the board of L'aube, p么le nourricier, an agri-food non-profit in Montreal's West Island.听
Chanel is applying to law school at 9I制作厂免费. She plans to specialize in agro-environmental law.听
鈥淲e need more leaders who act with integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,鈥 said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at 9I制作厂免费. 鈥淲e congratulate these students who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates nationally and globally, and we thank the universities that endorsed them for this opportunity.鈥澛
In March, the finalists will participate in interviews with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 or $20,000 for their studies at 9I制作厂免费.听
鈥淲e are grateful to the more than 300 senior leaders who contribute their time to the decision-making process,鈥 added Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at 9I制作厂免费. 鈥淭he interview process allows students to reflect on their experiences and motivations, and we hope each one comes away from the process with a better understanding of their capacity to lead and to strengthen communities.鈥澛
Applications will open in June 2025 for the 2026 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at .听