BC CLEAR Scholarship Awards

2015 Scholarship Recipients

We are pleased to introduce 2015 recipients of BC CLEAR Scholarship Awards.

BC CLEAR Scholarship Award: $1,000

Marabeth Kramer

Marabeth Kramer is a second-year MSc student in the School of Population and Public Health (Occupational and Environmental Hygiene theme) at the University of British Columbia. Through support from a Collaborative Research and Training Experience-Atmospheric Aerosol Program (CREATE-AAP) fellowship, Marabeth is studying the effect of diesel exhaust and allergen exposure on inflammatory mediators called adipokines. These proteins, as their name would suggest, are released primarily from the adipose tissue, and are observed to be released in response to inhaled inflammatory stimuli in animal models. Through the measurement of these proteins in the context of a controlled human study, the mechanistic function of adipokines in inflammatory lung processes can be elucidated, and their role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary disease explored.

BC CLEAR Fund Scholarship Award: $1,000
(with funding from the Vancouver Foundation)

Larissa Richards

Larissa Richards is a first-year MSc student studying Chemistry at the University of Victoria. She obtained her BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics from Vancouver Island University, where she is currently conducting research with the Applied Environmental Research Laboratories. Her research is focused on real-time mapping of the composition, source and extent of potential air quality impacts through the analysis of data collected with a field-portable membrane introduction mass spectrometer (MIMS). When paired with a global positioning system, MIMS provides geospatially resolved, real-time, direct and continuous analysis of the volatile organic compounds found in the atmosphere. This research will allow for intelligent, adaptive sampling in the field, as well as more effective emergency response and remediation strategies applicable to many industries. Larissa is the project coordinator for VIU’s “Awareness of Climate Change through Education and Research,” a public outreach group focused on raising awareness of the science and social implications of climate change through presentations, public discourse and hands-on activities.

To learn about earlier awards, read about the 2011-2014 scholarship recipients and visit the BC Air Quality Research Funding section of the Province of BC website.