Stephanie Ortynsky, who grew up and attended high school in Yorkton has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship.
Ortynsky is studying for her Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), School of Public Health, Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics.
The scholarship, valued at $20,000 was announced recently by The Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan.
“It means a lot,” said Ortynsky. It will help me dedicate more time to research and academic work,” she said, adding without the scholarship she would have to look at taking contract work to help fund her doctorate study.
The doctorate work is “looking at vaccine policy from a national perspective,” explained Ortynsky. The work is delving into how policy incorporates things such as World Health Organization influences, pharmaceutical company material, and existing polices.
Ortynsky said she had put forth an application for the scholarship, including her academic records and reference letters, several months ago.
The scholarship, along with the Queen Elizabeth II Centennial Aboriginal Scholarship, is awarded annually on the basis of academic excellence to students who are pursuing graduate or post-graduate studies at any accredited university in Saskatchewan. The Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship is awarded to a graduate and post-graduate student studying Saskatchewan politics and government at a Saskatchewan university.
The Queen Elizabeth II Centennial Aboriginal Scholarship is awarded to a First Nations or Métis student pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies in any field at a university in Saskatchewan.
Tasha Spillett, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Centennial Aboriginal Scholarship, is studying to earn her Doctorate of Philosophy at the U of S College of Education.
To learn more about the scholarships, contact the Ministry of Advanced Education Student Service Centre at 1-800-597-8278 or visit www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/scholarships.
