Two UBC Science students receive Canada’s largest STEM scholarship

First-year UBC Science students Helen Zhang and Lauren Moody have been named 2019 Schulich Leader Scholars. They were among 1,400 nominees across Canada competing for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $100,000 each.

“With 50 outstanding students selected in Canada each year it is all but guaranteed that this group represents the best and brightest Canada has to offer,’ says program founder Seymour Schulich. “These students will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of technology innovators.”

Zhang, 17, received an $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Sentinel Secondary in West Vancouver, BC, Zhang began her studies this fall. She was selected for her academic leadership at Sentinel Secondary, having founded the Trial and Error Club to encourage learning beyond the in-class curriculum. In her extracurricular time, Zhang volunteered at the UBC Biodiversity Research Centre, where she helped to investigate Z.marina seagrass and invertebrate communities. Zhang also co-founded the Vancouver Young Artist Project (VAYA), a fundraising initiative that sold the artworks of talented Lower Mainland school children to benefit BC Children’s Hospital.

A graduate of Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM) in Kelowna, BC, Moody began her studies at UBC Science this fall. Moody was selected for her leadership achievements as a youth advocate for climate action—she operated a sustainable-living blog, wrote for local publications, and volunteered at environmental events. She has also spoken at climate change symposia, TEDx and the Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) Sustainability Gala. Moody also established OKM’s sustainability club and was trained by Al Gore as BC’s youngest Climate Reality Leader.

About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada

Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to 50 high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Each year, every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.

Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich launched the $100-million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation.