Lasya Vankayala, a student with an interest in biochemistry who is joining UBC Science this fall, has been named the recipient of a $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship.
A graduate of David Thompson Secondary School, Vankayala’s research in wound healing, mitochondrial dynamics, and Parkinson’s Disease earned her a gold medal at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair and a third place finish in the prestigious Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge BC. Vankayala’s volunteer role with Canucks Autism Network, her accomplishments in Indian Classical Singing, and her participation in the Shad Valley program, all contributed to her selection as a Schulich Leader.
Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages promising high school graduates to embrace STEM in their future careers. In 2016 there were over 1,500 Schulich Leader Nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships.
“It is very important that we support exceptional students that demonstrate great leadership and embrace STEM fields,” said Schulich. “It is an investment not only in their future, but the future of our country. Their pursuits are sure to lead to key innovations in the years ahead.”
