Canmore student nabs $100,000 STEM scholarship

Canmore student Nami Dwyer is $100,000 closer to her dream education. She has joined the exclusive club of exceptional students from across Canada who have been awarded the Schulich Leader Scholarship, and is now heading to McGill University, one of the country’s most prestigious universities, this fall. 

“I couldn’t believe it. It was so unreal,” said Dwyer, who recently graduated from Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy in Canmore. “McGill is very well known for its reputation around academics and research.”

For the past 14 years, the Schulich Leader Scholarship has enabled students to pursue their dreams of becoming a national and global leader in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Entrepreneur and philanthropist Seymour Schulich created the scholarship program in 2012 to encourage and support the next generation of technology innovators. This year 100 scholarships were handed out, ranging from $100,000 to $120,000. 

For Dwyer, this scholarship means she will be able to continue to explore her passion not only for science and technology, but also community leadership.

“Throughout my high school experience, I’ve had many opportunities to find the intersection between these two topics and truly explore my passions in that area,” Dwyer said.

Dwyer plans to continue her studies in the foundational sciences oriented around biology but hopes to further develop her skills in math, physics and entrepreneurship. 

“I’m hoping to explore all those areas and one day find a career that is really the intersecting point for all of those,” said Dwyer. “It’s fascinating to see how science and technology can really solve global issues.”

Teacher Luc Arvisais nominated Dwyer for the scholarship. He said he did so because he saw her potential to do great things for the world, well beyond academics. 

“Everything about her being a good candidate comes down to project-based learning, experiential-based learning, application outreach and real-world authentic activities,” said Arvisais. “They’re the ones that have developed their brains into problem solvers, innovators and will actually make a difference in the world.”

Dwyer’s accomplishments include many projects on the international stage. In one instance, her team collaborated with other students from the school division in a synthetic biology project to design a type of bacteria that detects a toxic chemical that is harmful to coral reefs. 

“I had the opportunity to attend COP 28 in Dubai through the United Nations Climate Change Conference,” said Dwyer. “That was truly a great way to celebrate all of the work I had done and share my work with other students from around the globe.”

Dwyer believes her extracurricular STEM projects, as well as community leadership experience, played a big role in landing the scholarship. 

She says that throughout her school years, she has been surrounded by incredible teachers who have not only provided her with immense insight and guidance, but also many opportunities for extracurricular activities that build on her talents. 

“I truly believe that in these extracurricular activities is where the actual hands-on work in the community is done, which is very valuable in education,” she said.

Our Lady of the Snows is no stranger to the Schulich Leader Scholarship, having had six students in the past eight years land the prestigious award. Arvisais has worked hard to make STEM learning an important focus for the school and is proud of the achievements of his students and the doors that will open for them because of this scholarship.

“It’s like winning a gold medal,” said Arvisais. “When you win the championship, even though you’ve been on good teams your entire life, winning the championship is fulfilling and motivates you to go on and do similar things.”

As she reflects on her journey so far, Dwyer offered her advice for any other students with a passion for STEM. 

“Reach out and find opportunities. Once you take that first step out into the community, there will be so many opportunities to explore your passions and really find out what you love.”