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The Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) hosted a special virtual presentation on August 18 to recognize the winners of their 2021-2022 Aerospace Studies Scholarships.
The Chair of OAC’s Scholarship Review Committee, Dwayne Charette, President & COO of Airbus Helicopters Canada, announced the four students whose submissions had been selected.
Each scholarship recipient had the opportunity of sharing why they had chosen aerospace studies and the roadmap to date towards their respective career aspirations.
Recipients of the 2021 OAC Scholarships shared the following:
1) Olivia Chamberland, 3rd year, MASc Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, credits her father who has a private pilot’s licence, for establishing her passion for aircraft.
Although passionate about aerospace, Olivia admits she was not aware of all the opportunities it offered. She began her studies in Biology, which she quickly realized was not for her, so switched to a Physics major. In her final undergraduate year, she faced the question – what next? An exploration that led to the discovery of Carleton University’s Aerospace Engineering program.
2) Trevor Phair, 4th year, Aerospace & Electrical Engineering, Carleton University, says “I am going to school for more than just a degree. I absolutely love what I am learning. Since childhood, I have always wanted to be a part of the development of an aircraft but through my education this goal has shifted slightly, and my new focus is to develop the safest and most reliable aircraft possible to better the livelihood of the people in society without compromising safety. I am fortunate to be developing a vehicle which meets many of these requirements in my work with the NRC, and plan to use the experiences I gain to design and improve more aircrafts in meeting these criteria.”
3) Kevin Kasa, final year, Aerospace Engineering, Ryerson University. Kevin is in his final year of his undergraduate program, He tells us his passion and determination has already provided him with a breadth of skills and experiences in the aerospace industry.
In Kevin’s words “My passion for aerospace is deep and resolute. Starting from a young age, I am grateful to have been able to grow and learn more about aerospace through my education and experiences. To me, aerospace embodies the marvels of the universe, humanity’s aspiration to understand it, and is a constant reminder of the immense progress we can achieve. It is also a reminder to be responsible and diligent in our work, and to remain optimistic of what the future holds.”
4) The recipient of the OAC Scholarship for Women in Aerospace Studies, Amy Serrador tells us attending a conference at an airport changed her life. “Stepping into the large metal structure felt like stepping into a new world. I looked around me at the massive planes. They sat like fine pieces of art in an exhibit. I was filled with wonder and amazement. Standing next to one large aircraft made me feel so small, but so fascinated. …. I knew that day what I wanted to do. There was no doubt in my mind that working in the aviation industry was for me. The only movies I watched were ones that had airplanes in them. All of my projects at school were about planes. Essentially, I became aviation obsessed.”
As the only female student in her high school transportation technology class for three consecutive years, she overcame challenges and stayed true to her dream. Amy is entering her first year in Aviation-Aircraft Maintenance at Fanshawe College.
To recap, after rounds of virtual applause, the OAC awarded four (4) scholarships for the 2021-2022 Academic Year to students going into, or currently enrolled, in an aerospace studies program at a post-secondary institution (college or university) in Ontario. The value of each scholarship is $2,500.00 CAD.
Anne Vinet, Executive Vice President of AirStart and a Committee Member, addressed the recipients, “I think you are all a great source of inspiration. It was amazing to read your backgrounds and congratulations on what you have accomplished so far.”
The Scholarship Review Committee did not have an easy task in selecting this year’s winners with a record number of 78 applications from students in first year post-secondary through to PhDs. The Committee, comprised of industry professionals representing the wide array of aerospace sectors, had the tough task of narrowing it down to four recipients. The Committee members include:
• Dwayne Charette, President & COO, Airbus Helicopters Canada and Committee Chair
• Vera Lo, Executive Vice President, AeroTek
• Anne Vinet, Executive Vice President, AirStart
• Jim Gould, General Manager, CFN Precision
• Scott McFazdean, President & CEO, Diamond Aircraft
• Ron James, Director Program Management, Safran Electronics & Defense
• Wendy Channon, Vice President Customer Services & Key Accounts North America, Safran Landing Systems
The 2021 Scholarship Sponsors were also recognized during the virtual meeting as their generous support enabled the OAC to go forward with the four scholarships in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our Annual Golf Tournament is where the aerospace community comes out not only to play golf and network but to help us raise the funds needed for our scholarships. Due to the pandemic, it wasn’t possible to go forward with the fundraiser and we greatly appreciate our industry sponsors for stepping forward and enabling us to continue this important initiative,” shared Moira Harvey, OAC Executive Director.
2021 Scholarship Sponsors are Aerocomm, Airbus Helicopters Canada, BMP Ben Machine Products, Collins Aerospace, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, Diamond Aircraft, KPMG Canada, L3Harris Wescam, Magellan Aerospace, MHI Aerospace Canada, Safran Landing Systems, Shimco, Shimifrez, and Thermodyne Engineering.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Ontario Aerospace Council.
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