Undergraduate Scholarship and Award Winners

Norah Ridley is the recipient of two awards this year: The James E. Greer Teaching, Learning and Technology Undergraduate Research Prize and the Linda Carmichael Recognition Award for Women in Computational Science

Norah received NSERC USRA awards during the summers of 2020-21, which allowed her to be a research student under Dr. Natalia Stakhanova’s supervision in the CyberLab at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). The experience she gained in Dr. Stakhanova's lab piqued her interest in research — especially in security.

As a lifelong equestrian, Norah considers herself very fortunate to have received support from the horse community. She was a recipient of this year’s Canadian Pony Club Award of Excellence. She also received the Dr. Byrnne Rothwell Memorial Scholarship in 2018 as well as the 2017 Equine Welfare Award for Young Steward of the Future through the Saskatchewan Horse Federation.

When asked about her career aspirations, Norah said that although she isn't entirely sure of her plans, she knows that she is very interested in research.

"Through the Computer Science Professional Internship Program, I’ve spent the last eight months as an intern in the USask Interaction Lab under Dr. Carl Gutwin’s supervision," she explained. "My main role is creating web-based data visualizations with genomic data, and I’ve also been able to be part of different research projects. I like the detailed aspects of research, and I’m excited to be part of new and innovative work."

The Linda Carmichael Recognition Award for Women in Computational Science was created by alumna Linda Carmichael (B.Sc. '03). This award is meant to support and to recognize female students in the 3rd year or entering the 3rd year of a degree program in the College of Arts & Science at the University of Saskatchewan who are majoring in computer science.

The James E. Greer Teaching, Learning and Technology Undergraduate Research Prize is awarded in the memory of James E. Greer, U of S professor of computational sciences between 1988 and 2018. It is meant to capture the spirit and legacy of Jim's love for teaching, learning and research. There is no doubt that Jim would have wanted to continue to recognize excellence in students' work and encourage students' academic growth. 

Two Calian scholarships are given out every year. This year's recipients are Kohlton Booth and Sabrina Kettle.

Kohlton Booth is graduating with high honors in Mathematics and Computer Science this spring. He was also part of the Computer Science Professional Internship Program, completing a 16 month internship with Calian. 

In the past Kohlton has won the Herman Ferns Memorial Scholarship from the department of Mathematics and Statistics. He calls his most prized achievement placing as a finalist in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling.

His favourite class in university was the CMPT 400 honours project class. "I enjoyed it since it gave me so much freedom to explore topics that I wouldn't get to do otherwise," he said.

Kohlten is already employed at Siemens EDA but noted that he plans to go back to school for a master's in computer science in the future.

Sabrina Kettle moved to Saskatoon from Ontario at the age of 12, and considers the Bridge City her home. She was the recipient of the High School Graduation Award in both Computer Science and English, and received a University of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarship. 

Her hobbies include writing, reading, watching television and movies, playing video games, and programming.

When asked about her career aspirations, Sabrina said, "I love to imagine a future where I am putting my computing knowledge and skills into making a better and happier world. As well, I would like to find ways to use my creativity with programming."

Calian is a Canadian advanced technology company specializing in space and communications engineering and custom electronics manufacturing. This company has extensive expertise in space, communications, satellite test and control and defense systems engineering and in custom electronic system manufacturing. 

The 2021-2022 Women in Computer Science Scholarship has been awarded to Chi Vu. 

Chi is the event director for the Computer Science Student Society, where she seeks to create opportunities for students to connect with others in the department. She believes that extracurriculars are just as integral to the university experience as academics.  

She participated in EcoHack during reading week, where she developed and pitched a prototype for a food waste reduction app. Her submission was voted first place and she was invited to have lunch with Mayor Clark and President Stoicheff to discuss it in detail. 

Chi received an NSERC USRA this year and is currently working on summer research under Dr. Banani Roy’s supervision. "Seeing how CS works 'in real life' and applying the concepts taught in class to an actual project in its early stages of development has been eye-opening." she said, "I like having the freedom to explore and try out different approaches to see what works. Unlike assignments, there’s no answer key; I have to come up with the solutions on my own. It’s a good way to gain valuable experience and learn outside the classroom."

She credits her strong work ethic to her parents. "Growing up, my parents have always encouraged me to work hard, especially in school. I am so lucky to have their support and extremely honoured to receive recognition for my hard work. I aspire to make them proud and contribute to society through my future work and research. Awards like these help pave the way for students like me. For that, I’m utmost grateful."

The Women in Computer Science Scholarship was established to encourage female students to pursue a major in Computer Science. This award is sponsored by Alumni and Faculty of the Department of Computer Science. 

This year's Zu Award for Women in Technology and Community Service recipient is Akshara Dash.

Akshara is a 3rd year Interactive Systems Design student, minoring in Studio Art. She is currently doing a summer internship as an app developer with a local company, Imagine Contracting Inc, and she wants to work as a Product Designer after graduation. 

Her past awards include the Nasser Family Award, Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship for high achieving high school students, and the Graphics Volunteer of the Year SHEAF 2021.

Akshara is the Design Editor for the university newspaper The Sheaf for the 2022-23 academic year. She has a love of illustrating both print and digital art. She noted that she also dabbles in 3d illustration and wants to learn more about Augmented and Virtual Reality this summer.

Her passion for UX/UI inspired her to start the UX Collective campus club this year at the university. Though she was initially unsure of what the response would be, the club grew to 60 members in its first two months.

"I want to make technology more accessible and approachable for everyone," she said, "so it was really refreshing for me to see so many students interested in learning about design irrespective of their majors."

The club hosts design workshops and UX/UI challenges, and helps students with their portfolios. 

The Zu Award for Women in Technology and Community Service is sponsored by zu. It was created to support and recognize the community service, volunteerism and leadership of female students who are majoring in Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan.

This year's Alumni Award recipient is Phaedra Berger. 

Phaedra is graduating this spring with both a B.A. & B.Sc. in Interactive Systems Design and a B.Sc. Honours in Psychology. She completed her psychology honours thesis under the co-supervision of Regan Mandryk from the HCI Lab and Ron Borowsky from the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab. Her reserach project investigated the relationship between reading, attention, and action video game experience. 

She credits CMPT 140 with the reason she decided to pursue a degree in ISD. "I'd never even thought about computer science as an option before this class," she recalled, "I initially took it because it was required for my psychology degree."

Phaedra worked as an NSERC summer student in the Human Computer Interaction Lab for three summers, and often worked as a teaching assistant during the school year. 

The Alumni Award was established as a legacy to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Department of Computer Science in 1988. It is offered annually to a graduating undergraduate student for leadership, recognition and carrying out duties above and beyond of what was expected of him and her.

This year's recipient of the Bhupinder Kaur Basran Memorial Scholarship is Mehdi Khalaj.

Mehdi is originally from Iran and has been a permenant resident of Canada since 2019. He is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Computer Science, which he expects to complete in 2024. 

After graduating, he plans to continue his education and apply for a PhD program in computer science. He intends to specialize in artificial intelligence and work as a research scientist.

He received the Arts & Science Undergraduate Scholarship and the University of Saskatchewan Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. He also received an NSERC Undergraduate Research Award for the summer of 2022. "[Receiving] these awards make me feel more confident about the path I am taking," he said.

Endowed by Mr. Andrew Stepaniuk (B.Comm. 1992) in memory of his wife, Bhupinder Kaur Basran, this scholarship recognizes the academic excellence of a student pursuing an Honours degree in Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan. The scholarship is open to full-time students entering their 4th year of study in a four year Bachelor of Science Honours degree specializing in Computer Science.

This year's winner of the Dr. Rick Bunt Prize in Computer Systmes is Tim Letkemen.

Tim was born and raised in Saskatoon. He is pursuing a degree in Computer Science. His hobbies include rock climbing, badminton, squash, and playing video games. 

He hopes to learn more about artificial intelligence and machine learning during the rest of his degree. Tim is also a budding entrepeneur; he is currently working on releasing his own software commercially.

This prize is awarded to the undergraduate student who has achieved the highest mark in the Introduction to Computer Systems course (currently known as CMPT 215) in the Department of Computer Science, College of Arts and Science.