Two McCall MacBain Scholars coming to Mac in 2024
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill today announced its fourth cohort of recipients: 30 students who will pursue a funded master’s or professional degree combined with mentorship and leadership programming, as well as 117 who earned entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each.
The 30 scholars will enter 20 departments and schools across nine faculties at McGill, including the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' School of Human Nutrition and Department of Natural Resource Sciences. It's the first time the School of Human Nutrition will welcome a McCall MacBain Scholar.
“These students inspire us with their compassion and drive,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our shared mission is to provide them with an unparalleled graduate education, leadership development opportunities, mentors and lifelong connections. We hope to accelerate their ability to make an impact in communities across Quebec, Canada, and around the world.”
Meet the new Scholars joining our Faculty
Clarisse Iradukunda; MSc, Human Nutrition; Muhanga, Rwanda
Clarisse Iradukunda holds medical and public health degrees, and she works as a junior doctor. In addition to her clinical practice, she manages an initiative raising awareness of cervical cancer, has launched projects supporting young single mothers, and offers mentorship at health centres. While studying medicine at the University of Rwanda, Clarisse led the city chapter of the non-communicable diseases prevention program and increased awareness campaigns by recruiting nearly 40 more volunteers. She will pursue a master’s degree in nutrition at McGill, planning to work as a clinical specialist in that field.
“As someone who spent the majority of my schooling in Rwanda’s public schools, becoming a McCall MacBain Scholar through an international competitive process makes me very proud of not just myself, but also Rwanda’s educational system. I encourage young girls from village like myself to take advantage of the chances for girls’ education provided by the Rwandan government. This scholarship is not only life-changing but a dream coming true.”
Siena Margorian; MSc, Renewable Resources; Toronto, Ontario
Siena recently completed her bachelor's degree in biology and is a fifth-year concurrent education student at Queen's University, majoring in outdoor education and experiential learning. She started the Armenian student association and currently leads a team of 40 students as president of the climate crisis action group. Siena also volunteers as a first aid responder and as a Scouts troop leader-in-training. She spent last summer researching the ecology and parental behaviours of burying beetles. Siena will pursue a master's degree in renewable resources at McGill's Macdonald campus.
"I’m excited to have this opportunity because I’m passionate about sustainability."
"I hope to explore the intersections of conservation, policy, and biology in order to address environmental issues. Sustainability is about health, education, economics, politics, and science; therefore, [...] I look forward to the unique opportunity to learn from peers in their many different fields of study."