The VIU Biology Department presents over 10 awards / scholarships to Biology students, totaling over $15,000 each year. A description of each award is provided below, and more details including a list of past award recipients are available by clicking on each award's name.
Learn more about VIU Awards and Scholarships.
Biology Department Outstanding Student Award
Given annually, this $1,000 award is presented in recognition of the graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement (overall highest GPA) in their BSc, Major or Honours in Biology program. This Biology faculty-selected award is supported by Biology faculty and Biology graduate alumni contributions.
Outstanding Biology 491 Independent Research Award
Given annually, a $250 award is presented in recognition of the student who achieves the highest overall grade for their Biology 491 independent research project. This Biology faculty-selected award was generously supported by an anonymous Biology alumnus from 2011-2016 and continues by donations from Biology faculty.
Dr. Andy Spencer Legacy Award
Given annually, a $2,000 award for a VIU science student accepted into post-graduate studies in the final year of their BSc. This science faculty-nominated scholarship is awarded to a student in recognition of outstanding potential for excelling in graduate studies in the natural sciences. It is supported by generous contributions from Andy’s family and friends.
Dr. Andy Spencer Bamfield Marine Sciences Summer Course Award
This $500 award recognizes Dr. Spencer’s leadership and vision at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, and at VIU. VIU Biology students who have completed the 2nd year of their BSc, and who have been accepted into a BMSC summer course are encouraged to apply. This award is supported by generous contributions from Andy’s family and friends.
Dr. Jane Watson Biology Conference Award
This award supports biology student travelling to scientific conferences (awarded funds vary with cost of conference fees). Students who are completing their BSc degree in Biology and are conducting, or have completed, their BIOL 490 or BIOL 491 independent research project can apply to attend or present their research at a scientific conference. This Biology faculty-selected award is supported by generous contributions from Jane’s friends.
Dr. Tanya and Lawrence DePorto Doctorate Scholarship
Given annually, this $500 annual scholarship is awarded to a graduate in their final year of their BSc degree in Biology who has been accepted into a doctoral program in the health, medical, or veterinary sciences. This Biology faculty-nominated scholarship is supported by generous contributions each year from Tanya and Lawrence Deporto.
Ryan Cathers Memorial Award
Given annually, this $1,500 scholarship is awarded to a 3rd or 4th year VIU Biology student, with career interests in ecology and natural history, including ornithology, and in recognition of community and/or university volunteer excellence. This Biology faculty-selected award is supported by generous contributions from Ryan’s family and friends.
Dr. David Gaumont-Guay Legacy Scholarship
Given annually, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a VIU BSc in Biology student who shows outstanding academic achievement in all three of David’s teaching and research passions: ecology, botany, and independent scientific research. This Biology faculty-selected award is supported by generous contributions from David’s family and friends.
Sheila Marshall Memorial Award
Given annually, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a VIU BSc in Biology student who shows outstanding academic achievement in Sheila’s life-long teaching interests: ecology, botany, chemistry and independent scientific research. This Biology faculty-selected award is supported by generous contributions from Sheila’s family and friends.
Dr. John Amaral Memorial Award
Given annually, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a VIU BSc in Biology student who shows outstanding academic achievement and independent research potential in the microbiological sciences. This Biology faculty-selected award is supported by generous contributions from John’s family and friends.
Dr. Donald F. Alderdice Memorial Scholarship
Given annually, this $2,500 award is awarded to an academically strong, continuing, upper-level Biology student, with career goals or interests in aquatic biology, including marine biology, aquaculture, and fisheries. This award is in memory of Donald Alderdice, who devoted his life's work to fisheries research. This Biology faculty-selected scholarship is supported by generous contributions from Don’s family and friends.
Award recipients
- Alexandra (Ally) Wiebe, 2023
- Joel Filgate-McNabb, 2022
- Aliandra (Ally) Badger, 2021
- Lucas Abruzzi, 2020
- McIntyre (Mac) Barrera, 2019
- Colin Olson, 2018
- Chanelle Clement, 2017
Csilla Vasarhelyi, 2016 - Xin Li, 2015
- Katie Davidson, 2014
- Ariel Muirhead, 2013
- Kala (Kayla) Mohns, 2012
Additional Biology Awards
In addition to Biology Department-selected awards and scholarships, the following are also available to academically strong BSc (Biology) students.
Dr KS Ketchen Biology Award
Given annually, this $3,000 award is available to 3rd or 4th-year Bachelor of Science (Biology) students, based on academic achievement and financial need. Applicants must be Canadian citizens. Selection is by the VIU Awards office, via its on-line award student profile.
Award Recipients
- Jesusa (Janine) Garcia, 2023
- Kyle Whittemore, 2022
- Kathleen Dale, 2021
- Melissa Verhoeks, 2019
- Cassandra Twiname, 2018
Ms Mollie Byrne Biology Scholarship
Given annually, this $2,500 award is available to 3rd or 4th-year Bachelor of Science (Biology) students, with demonstrated academic excellence. Selection is by the VIU Awards office, via its on-line award student profile.
Award Recipients
- Savannah Hahn, Chiara Sedola, 2023
- Bailey Maltesen, Ryan Waatainen, 2022
- Braemon Conville, Joel Filgate-McNabb, 2021
- Daniel Zuloaga, Thomas Allan, Brant Cartwright, Taylor McCormick, 2020
- Cassandra Twiname, Marisa Livingstone, Trisha Holland, Christopher Shanks, 2019
Barbara Bunting Memorial Award
Given annually, this $1,000 award is available to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology who attended high school on Vancouver Island, and with a future goal of working in the marine industry. Selection is by the VIU Awards office, via its on-line award student profile.
Award Recipients
- Emily Lohn, 2023