The future is bright for three outstanding high-school graduates recognized by Research Services at IWK Health.
Applications for the IWK Future Health Research and Innovation Scholarship program were received from students who have demonstrated an early interest in health-related research and innovation. One $2,500 scholarship was awarded to an applicant in each Maritime province who plans to continue their education in a related field at a Maritime post-secondary institution.
The 2024 winners are: Seher Rahman, graduate of Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton, New Brunswick; Abbie Bain, graduate of Eastern Shore District High in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia; and Kolby Buote, graduate of Westisle Composite High School in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island.
Each applicant was required to submit an essay using scientific evidence to explain a specific area of health research and/or innovation they would like to pursue and how it could potentially contribute to the health and well-being of Maritime children, women, and families.
Seher Rahman
Rahman is passionate about mental health in the younger population.
“I intend to pursue a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. This interdisciplinary approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of mental health's biological underpinnings and psychological factors,” Rahman wrote in her scholarship application letter. “My enthusiasm for this research is driven by its potential to effectuate positive change in individuals' lives and society. I am deeply committed to advancing our understanding of mental health, identifying innovative treatments, and destigmatizing them.”
Abbie Bain
A lover of music, Bain hopes to explore its effects on health and well-being.
“I wish to pursue a career in the field of neurology and I am interested in research involving the connections between musical therapy and dementia,” she wrote. “I am eager to contribute to the field’s understanding of how music can positively impact individuals facing cognitive challenges.”
Kolby Buote
Buote’s area of interest is stem cell research and how it can be used to revolutionize medicine and improve the lives of children undergoing chemotherapy.
“I also want to explore how stem cells can aid children with Autism Spectrum Disorder for future ASD treatment or diagnostic tools,” he wrote of his future plans. “Another major goal I want to accomplish is to establish an outpatient clinic for families and children in my rural community, as outpatient care is understaffed, and families often travel great distances to seek medical care.”
All three recipients will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree – Rahman and Bain at the University of New Brunswick and Buote at the University of Prince Edward Island.
“I am always so incredibly impressed with the caliber of applicants to this program,” says Kathleen Leadon, Director, Research and Innovation Advancement at IWK Health. “It’s a privilege to support them as they pursue their research goals to contribute to the health and well-being of children, women, and families in the Maritimes. Our future looks very bright indeed.”
The Future Health Research and Innovation Scholarship program was created in 2015 to foster awareness of health research among youth.