University of Ottawa – Dr. John Dickson Memorial Bursary
The Dr. John Dickson Memorial Bursary was created in honour of Dr. John Dickson, the former Certification Program Manager for the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories. John was instrumental in the development of the program in its early years, and he helped lay the cornerstone of what is now a successful National program that certifies asphalt, aggregate and concrete testing laboratories. John earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of Ottawa in 1952, and a Doctorate in Science from Laval University in 1958, and he pursued a 49-year career as a research chemist. His workplaces included the Canadian Armament Research and Development Establishment (CARDE) in Valcartier, the Shell Canada Refinery in Montreal, the Shell Oil Research Center in Oakville, Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and finally the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (CCIL), where he was the Certification Program Manager. In John’s honour, CCIL has established an annual bursary of $2,500.00 to an undergraduate Faculty of Engineering student who is registered in the BASc in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Option program or in the BASc in the Civil Engineering program. The applicant must:- be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a person with the protected/refugee status;
- be registered as a full-time student in the BASc in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Option program or in the BASc in the Civil Engineering program at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Ottawa; and
- demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid and Awards Service of the University of Ottawa.
Guizem T
2024
I am diligently pursuing my third-year studies in B. Sc. A. Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa, and I admit that studies are expensive and obtaining this scholarship has lifted a weight off my shoulders and will leave me more time to devote to my studies.
Alina D.
2023
Mariyam M-A
2022
Thank you for establishing a scholarship at the University of Ottawa. It is an honour to be this year’s recipient of the Dr. John Dickson Memorial Bursary.
I am currently in my second year studying Civil Engineering. My goal was to specialize in structural engineering as I always hoped to one day be able to design environmentally sustainable infrastructures. However, as I learn more about the other specialties, I am now leaning towards environmental or geotechnical engineering.
I’ve always had an interest in infrastructures especially ones that were built in the 19th century. I became interested in buildings and bridges at the age of six when I moved to Toronto and was exposed to beautiful and complex structures for the first time. I was born and raised for the first six years of my life in an undeveloped city in Uzbekistan so moving to the largest city in Canada was definitely a big change. I knew that I wanted a career that dealt with structures so that I can help a city grow and make space for more people which is why I chose to pursue Civil Engineering.
I chose the University of Ottawa because I know Ottawa will start expanding as more people choose to make the move from Toronto to Ottawa as the housing market is becoming unaffordable for many in Toronto. I want to be able to learn from a school that is located in a fast-growing city. I see construction around me all the time and I am able to see what I learn in my classes being used on the field which is one of the best ways the learn. I am more than happy with my decision to be able to learn from amazing professors at one of the top universities in Canada.
I would like to thank you once more for awarding me the scholarship as it helps take the stress from the financial aspect so that I can continue to stay focused primarily on my education.
Sincerely,
Mariyam
Braelyn C.
2021
Par la présente, je souhaite remercier les membres du conseil canadien des laboratoire indépendantes et la famille de Dr. John Dickson de m’avoir accordé la bourse commémorative Dr-John-Dickson. C’est vraiment un grand honneur pour moi d’être choisie comme bénéficiaire de ce prix. Cette bourse m’aidera grandement financièrement et me permettra de me concentrer davantage sur ma scolarité.
Comme étudiante au troisième cycle, j’envisage une carrière comme ingénieur chimique après l’obtention de mon diplôme en 2022.
Au secondaire, j’étais particulièrement intéressée aux mathématiques et aux sciences. Une exploration des options de carrières qui favorisaient mes forces et intérêts dans ces domaines m’a amené à découvrir la génie chimique et biologique. À l’heure actuelle, c’est le domaine pharmaceutique qui m’attire.
Une carrière en génie est une carrière axée sur la résolution de problèmes. Ainsi, je crois qu’il s’agit d’un bon choix pour moi étant donné que les défis me stimulent et me passionnent. Mes années dans le programme confirment de plus en plus mon choix en matière de champ d’études et alimentent mon enthousiasme pour ma carrière future. Pour ma part, je souhaite influencer l’avenir du secteur pharmaceutique et mettre à profit les connaissances et compétences qui seront acquises pendant mes études à l’Université d’Ottawa.
Merci encore de votre générosité et d’avoir investi dans mon avenir. Je ferai en sorte de faire de mon mieux pour atteindre mes objectifs académique et professionnels.
Veuillez agréer, l’expression de mes sentiments.
Lauren McD
2020
Congrats to Lauren McDermaid as a recipient of the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories / University of Ottawa.
Lauren noted, “I would like to thank CCIL for honouring me with the Dr. John Dickson Memorial Scholarship this year. I completed my B.Sc. Major in Biochemistry and I am currently pursuing a dual degree, B.A.Sc. Civil Engineering and B.Sc. Computing Technology. I have worked very hard to pay for my education and I am very grateful to receive this scholarship. This has allowd me to take care of myself and my needs. I now have the tools to help me succeed as I plan for my thesis project in the winter semester with the hopes of pursuing a Master’s degree next academic year.
I believe, as engineers, we are responsible for building society’s infrastructure and ensuring accessibility. As a disabled student, I continue to educate myself on the physical barriers imposed on individuals by our building infrastructure, so I may take them into consideration. It is everyone’s responsibility to speak up throughout the design-build process. This also applies to basic human rights, as I see in my work with Professor Stephanie Guilherme, on the study of water consumption habits on northern indigenous communities who do not currently receive sufficient or safe drinking water.
I am very excited to continue my research with Professor Guilherme and thank CCIL for the opportunity the Dr. John Dickson Memorial Bursary has provided me.
