For the second year in a row, a winner of a prestigious national scholarship has chosen to study systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo.

Malik Dahel of Montreal started his academic career at Waterloo Engineering this fall as a 2021 Loran Scholar backed by up to $100,000 over four years for living expenses, tuition, summer work opportunities and other benefits.

“I am naturally curious about ‘big picture’ problems and ideas and systems design engineering at Waterloo will provide me with the necessary skills to take on my ambitious professional endeavors and become a better problem solver,” he said in a media release.

Malik Dahel

Malik Dahel started his studies at Waterloo Engineering this fall as a Loran Scholar.

Last fall, Anson Yu of Langley, BC, also opted for the systems design engineering program at Waterloo after landing a Loran scholarship.

Dahel is one of 30 recipients across Canada chosen from over 6,000 applicants in a scholarship program designed to find and support high-potential young people through a rigorous selection process.

“The foundation looks for qualities in Loran Scholars that a transcript alone cannot show — integrity, courage, compassion, determination, entrepreneurial spirit and a high level of personal autonomy — and invests in these students to study and realize their potential on Canadian university campuses,” the organization said in a media release.

A graduate of John Abbott College, Dahel founded an organization to offer space for expression, reflection and action to young people, and contributed to multiple community organizations.

'Excited by the possibilities'

He was also active in his municipal and district councils as a voice for young people, and a member of student council throughout high school.

“I am thrilled to be part of this community and even more excited by the possibilities it has unleashed for me in serving it,” Malik said of his Loran selection.

In more than three decades, 41 of 733 Loran Scholars have chosen to attend the University of Waterloo, one of 25 partner universities.

Main photo: A student studies outside on a fall day at the University of Waterloo.