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WE ARE SO PROUD!

Our Chapter President has made headlines again and we couldn’t be more proud of the legacy she is leaving. Earlier this month our mighty leader was named a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Advanced Schloar (QES website & Carleton QES) and will be headed to Malawi, Africa in 2019 ... yeah that’s right AFRICA!!! Partnering with a local community organization, Find Your Feet, Alicia will use her unique skill set to help minimize the effects of climate change on immobilized populations. She is paired with Mzuzu University to conduct her research aiding limited or immobile populations to better obtain life necessities such as food, water, and shelter. Climate change has been deemed one of the top factors to affecting human health in the 21st century, and our Gal (pun intended) is headed 1/2 way around the world (literally) to help create a societal transformation concerning education, application, and distribution on how to improve mobility issues in a developing country.

Alicia is a PhDc in Biomedical Engineering - Biomaterials & Biomechanics with the Dept of Systems and Computer Engineering under the supervision of Dr Adrian Chan (Carleton) and Dr Dean Hay (Nipissing U). She is a NSERC CREATE READi trainee, and upon completion of her doctorate will be one of the first 3 people in our nation to be certified in design for universality and inclusiveness. When asked “what would you say to inspire others to apply for international opportunities” she replied, “Think outside the box ... why can’t it be you? Have you built your box of skills so unique that not many can compare? Then seriously, why can’t it be you? My PhD focus is on a para winter sport, and now I’m going to Africa, like a place where there is no snow ever, to use my knowledge about the body, motion, and interacting environments to help people get food, water, and shade. It is humbling and honouring all at the same time. You never know what your skills/knowledge can be used for. Never close a door until you are sure you don’t want to go in. Never be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. It could be the greatest adventure of your life!”

We wish you safe travels Alicia and can’t wait to see your inspiring work there. Follow all QE Scholars via #QEScholar on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. See who else is a world leader in their field, and how they are creating a better world!


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