The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society annually presents academic student awards to promote interest and reward excellence in the field of wildlife conservation. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in wildlife management and clearly state how their career goals align with the award and the lifetime achievements of its namesake. Distributing these awards at our annual conference and supporting students is a cornerstone of what we do and, let’s be honest, brings us so much joy!
We are so happy to share with you the winners of this year’s student scholarships. All three of our winners are active members of the wildlife community in Alberta and are working on great projects that will accomplish great things. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Robert (Bob) K. Goddard Memorial Scholarship
This is awarded to students presently enrolled in a technical program in the Province of Alberta focusing on wildlife biology or management. Bob Goddard was a well-respected wildlife manager with a great sense of humour. He is remembered in part for his work with landowners and stakeholders; he aimed to demonstrate how careful, intelligent use of a landscape can produce many benefits, especially if landscape health is the goal instead of the product.
This year’s winner is Sarah Hatt from Lethbridge College. Sarah is the vice-present of her student chapter and sits on the membership committee for the Canadian Section of TWS. Like Bob, Sarah believes in the importance of communication and building relationships with others to achieve wildlife related conservation outcomes.
Ian Ross Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students planning a career in wildlife management and preparing to enter the final year of either 1) a 4-year Alberta university program in Biological Sciences, Forest Science, Animal Sciences, or related field of study, or 2) the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Ecosystem Management – Fish and Wildlife stream at Lethbridge College. Ian’s work with large mammals in Alberta from grizzly bears to sheep was widely recognized and respected across Canada. He was a dedicated ACTWS board member and supporter throughout this career.
Ashlyn Herron from Lethbridge College is also a dedicated supporter and leader of her student chapter of TWS. Through her volunteer work, Ashlyn has developed productive relationships with landowners and is passionate about work collaboratively to conserve and restore Alberta’s grasslands.
William (Bill) Wishart Post-Graduate Award
This award is open to students planning a career in wildlife management and accepted into a full-time post-graduate degree program at a Canadian University in Biological Sciences, Forest Science, Animal Sciences, or related field of study. Bill Wishart is a founding father of wildlife management in Alberta and of the ACTWS. With a career spanning generations of wildlife managers in Alberta, he has influenced and been instrumental in nearly every aspect of the profession as it is practiced in Alberta.
This year’s winner is Emma Micalizzi who, like Bill, values teaching others and has already demonstrated a passion for doing so. She has been nominated for teaching awards for her dedication as a Teaching Assistant and volunteers her time to talk about bats with children. This is her second master’s degree having decided to pursue her dream of a career in wildlife management.
Learn about our 2021 scholarship winners and their valuable work by watching the acceptance video below!
