Teresa Brychcy's support is helping students succeed in the study of genetics-and she sees support of research and innovation as key to the well-being of all Canadians. Photo supplied.
Fond memories and lifelong friendships are a key component of Teresa Brychcy's connection to campus. And years working at the federal granting agency Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) saw her decide to channel her support to the geneticists of tomorrow.
"In retirement I wanted to increase my financial support to the university and focus it in this area," said Brychcy. "I wanted to provide some financial support for highly qualified women with excellent academic records in the field of genetics, which had been my area of study at UAlberta."
To fulfil that vision, Brychcy has established the Teresa Brychcy Graduate Award in Genetics, a scholarship that recognizes student achievement in leadership and the study of genetics, enabling success for the next generation of scientists.
Brychcy spent much of her career at NSERC, where she oversaw the management of competitive national award programs in support of students and researchers. Among the initiatives that she was involved in were program and policy development that encouraged women to pursue graduate studies in the natural sciences and engineering.
"I hope to be able to contribute to financially assisting a woman graduate student to complete her degree. My ultimate objective is to see an increase in the number of women in science at the graduate level, particularly in areas where they are underrepresented. I hope that through this award I can provide assistance in some small way to help achieve this goal."
And as Brychcy explains, it's a goal that supports the well-being of all Canadians-as well as the next generation.
"Technology, research and development, and innovation are keys to Canada's prosperity. The training of highly qualified personnel who can pursue research in Canada, mentor the next generations of students, and provide role models for them is a way of helping to strengthen Canada's position in research and development," said Brychcy. "Universities such as UAlberta play a significant role in achieving this goal."
Directly and positively support a student's life! Contribute to an established scholarship or consider establishing your own to help undergraduate or graduate students with the rising costs of receiving a university education. Give now.