Awards
The Canadian Prairies Group of Chartered Engineers ICE 2023 Scholarship is now closed
With over fifty applicants from many academic institutions and diverse backgrounds the selection committee had an arduous task in selecting a winner. After much deliberation the selection committee has chosen Hikari Hata as the recipient of the 2023 Canadian Prairies Group of Chartered Engineers ICE Scholarship.
Hikari, originally from Japan, is a student in her 3rd year BSc Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
In Hikari’s own words:
Before immigrating to Canada and transferring to engineering, I earned my kinesiology degree as a student-athlete. To adapt to my current program, I had to navigate the accessibility gaps of gender and the systemic barriers that exist here and in my home country. My unique background and experience in the engineering community have driven me to advocate for greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering education. Last summer, I worked as a science instructor at SCI-FI Science Camps, where I engaged with diverse groups of children, including those of all abilities who are underrepresented in the STEM community. My role as a program facilitator allowed me to collaborate with third-party organizations to launch a new camp project for Indigenous children, tailored to local Indigenous culture and engineering traditions.
As a member of the Saskatoon Japanese Association, I enjoy teaching Origami to refugee and immigrant youth at local churches, allowing me to express the parts of my culture that I treasure deeply, as well as to continue my efforts in community outreach. I am enthusiastic about Taiko drum performances and giving workshops to promote cultural diversity. Furthering my skills in community building and team organization, I served as a volunteer coordinator at Saskatoon Folkfest, a local multicultural celebration with representation from over a dozen countries, overseeing more than 50 volunteers for the Japanese Pavilion. As a future professional engineer, I would love to continue listening to the community’s voice and inspiring the next generation of engineering fellows, especially those who are currently underrepresented.
The selection committee congratulates Hikari on receipt of this prestigious scholarship and wish her every success in her future career in civil engineering.
The Canadian Prairies Group of Chartered Engineers are the local Calgary multidisciplinary chapter of four UK and Worldwide engineering institutions, who meet 8 times a year to promote engineering.
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