Niamh Mulrooney

Third year Marine Environmental student Niamh Mulrooney is this year’s recipient of the Vice-President's Fry Foundation Excellence in Leadership Award at the Fisheries and Marine Institute.

“I was encouraged to apply for this award because it reflects the type of leadership that I strive to practice rooted in service, growth, and impact rather than recognition alone,” said Ms. Mulrooney.

This award is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership throughout their program, through academic work, professional work placements, and community involvement.

“Over the past two years with the Marine Institute Students’ Union, I have taken on leadership roles that challenged me in ways I never expected. I’ve developed a stronger understanding of what leadership means to me.”

Prior to enrolling in the Marine Environmental program, Ms. Mulrooney completed a year of studies for a Bachelor of Science degree before realizing it wasn’t the right path for her.

“The hands-on experience and small-scale class sizes are exactly what I wanted from post-secondary education,” she said.

“The program covers the biological aspects that I love learning about, but it also covers the legal, chemical, social, economic, and community-based aspects of environmental science that are crucial for effective marine conservation.”

Other highlights from her program include two out-of-province travel opportunities: to Grenada on a student exchange program and sailing from Montréal to Brigus aboard the SSV Ernestina Morrisey.

Following graduation, Ms. Mulrooney plans to pursue her Bachelor of Technology online.

“I am so grateful to have had such a positive post-secondary experience, all thanks to the MI community who believed in me before I saw anything in myself!”

Morgan Byrne

Morgan Byrne, a fourth year Nautical Science student, received the Captain Howard Garland Award at this year’s ceremony.

Established by the Garland family in honor of Captain Howard Garland, the Award recognizes an individual enrolled in their final year of Nautical Science who intends to go on to get their Captains License.

Mr. Byrne’s family has deep roots in the maritime industry.

“My great grandfather and grandfather were the keepers of the Ferolle Point Lighthouse station. Currently my aunt keeps the light. My father is a chief engineer, brother in-law is a chief mate, uncle is a chief cook, and my great-uncle was a lifelong sealer,” he said.

“I plan to be the next in line to take up the watch and climb the ranks.”

He says his favourite aspect of the Nautical Science program has been his sea phases.

“I earned a position with Algoma Central Corporation as a deck cadet and sailed across the Great Lakes of North America from Superior, Wisconsin, all the way out of the seaway to Halifax, Nova Scotia.”

At this year’s ceremony, Mr. Byrne also received the Atlantic Towing Scholarship.

After graduation, Mr. Byrne will complete his oral exam with Transport Canada to earn his watchkeeping mate certificate. With an interest in the Canadian Arctic, he hopes to begin working for the Canadian Coast Guard.

“For anyone outside of the program who is considering coming to sea, I encourage you to take up the challenge and give it a shot!”

Rebecca Ralph

Advanced Diploma in Food Safety student, Rebecca Ralph, was this year's recipient of the Ed Bowdring Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a creative use of video or still photography as part of their studies or develops an innovative media-related project for the benefit of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

“I had a wealth of photos from this program, taken through microscopes, both as a reference at a later time and to show my friends—since you can’t very well bring microbes out of a lab,” she said.

“I was very happy that the scholarship committee and donor representatives thought my work was as captivating to look at as I did.”

Prior to starting her program at MI, Ms. Ralph completed a Bachelor of Science at Memorial University. The Food Safety program appealed to her because of the hands-on experience and work term element it offers.

“The part I like most about the program is how hands-on it is. Half the classes have laboratory components that introduce real instruments and techniques that are used in the industry, allowing for students to become better equipped for when they graduate.”

Following the intercession semester, Ms. Ralph will begin a three-month work term placement with Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.

“I know that I will be better prepared to start a career in the food industry because of my time in the Advanced Diploma program.”