The Nanotechnology Engineering program is pleased to welcome 2018 Loran Scholar Lauren Prophet to the class of 2021.
Lauren chose University of Waterloo after winning a prestigious scholarship from the Loran Scholars Foundation. This privately-funded charity partners with volunteers and universities to identify and support young people who have demonstrated integrity, courage, perseverance and curiosity. It aims to balance merit-based financial assistance that rewards those with high academic averages and exceptional athletic abilities by providing long-term support to those with other talents that will enhance their communities.
Lauren’s renewable four-year award includes an annual $10,000 living stipend and a matching tuition waiver from one of the foundation’s partner universities, up to $10,000 in funding for summer internships, a dedicated mentor and annual retreats and scholar gatherings.
Lauren took part in a rigorous selection process in which 5,023 applicants were vetted through the most comprehensive and thorough scholarship selection process in Canada. She was one of 88 finalists who experienced numerous interviews and assessments before she was named, along with 33 other students, to the 29th class of Loran Scholars.
Lauren’s interests and experiences in high school reflect the qualities that earned her a Loran scholarship. She co-led the eco team at St. Clements School in Toronto, where she also initiated a pollinator health awareness campaign. She volunteered with Girl Guides, Ontario Nature’s Youth Council, a school-based march break program and a seasonal emergency relief program. Even still, she also found time to participate on a VEX Robotics team and a Technovation App Design Competition – two STEM activities that reinforced her interests in engineering.
Nearing the end of her first year in the Nanotechnology Engineering program, Lauren’s enthusiasm for engineering and nanotechnology is evident. She came to Waterloo with the goal of learning how to use nanotechnology to sequester carbon. While she was disappointed to learn that her original idea is not feasible, she is excited that the program is helping her to learn more and find better solutions.
Lauren says: “I find the program really interesting – both in terms of the content and how we are encouraged to apply it – but I was surprised how much I like the environment here.
With about 150 of us in the program, I see the same people day in and day out. We have lots of opportunities to get to know each other and build friendships. And that has made the program even more enjoyable than I had expected.
You know, I heard some scary things about Waterloo Engineering – how it’s really challenging and competitive… I’ve learned that Nanotechnology Engineering is challenging, but it’s not competitive. Everyone works together to help one another. No one is trying to take you down – we’re all trying to build each other up, to support one another so we can learn more and take on new things. I’m excited to use what I’m learning to make positive changes for the environment.”