Two BC Students Awarded 2025 Schulich Leader Scholarships

Two students from British Columbia, Canada, have been awarded the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship for 2025. Scarlett Steyn, an engineering scholar from Princess Margaret Secondary School in Penticton, and Lottie Campbell, a science scholar from Esquimalt High School in Victoria, will commence their studies at the University of Victoria this fall. Both students exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community building.

Innovative Engineering Aspirations

Scarlett Steyn’s passion for engineering stems from her desire to merge creativity with problem-solving. “I love engineering because I like optimizing things and immediately seeing the impact of my work,” Steyn expressed. She aims to establish an engineering firm led by women, focusing on innovative robotics constructed from repurposed materials. Her journey in robotics reflects her entrepreneurial spirit; during her tenure on the Penticton Robotics Team, she ingeniously sourced recycled carbon-fibre hockey sticks from the local Penticton Vees hockey team. This resourcefulness contributed to a mechanical lift system that earned her team the Creativity Award at the FIRST Robotics Canadian Pacific Regional Competition.

Steyn’s experiences have significantly shaped her future aspirations. “I feel my experience on the Penticton Robotics Team not only influenced my future in ways I couldn’t imagine but also gave me powerful insight into both the entrepreneurial and engineering worlds,” she noted. As she steps into her post-secondary education at UVic, she is enthusiastic about engaging with campus life and contributing to the community. “Coming from a small town, I was looking for a university with a strong sense of community, which UVic has,” Steyn said.

A Passion for Chemistry and Community

Lottie Campbell’s journey into the sciences began in childhood, where she fondly recalls sharing her fascination with notable scientists. Her enthusiasm for chemistry has led her to pursue a degree at UVic, renowned for its research initiatives. “That type of experience is unique to UVic and was a huge factor in my decision,” Campbell explained, highlighting her eagerness to engage in research opportunities early in her academic career.

In the summer of 2023, Campbell interned at the Molecular Cellular Immunology Core at BC Cancer’s Deeley Research Centre. Although she does not plan to pursue a career in medical research, the experience confirmed her ambition to work as a chemical researcher. “While I’ve known for years I wanted to pursue applied scientific research, I could not have predicted how instantly I felt at home in the lab,” she remarked.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Campbell has made significant contributions to her community. She co-founded the Women in STEM club at Esquimalt High School, organizing field trips and hosting speakers to inspire other students. “It’s been amazing to see the community we built together,” she said, expressing her desire to continue supporting the group even after graduation.

Becoming a Schulich Leader is not just a personal milestone for Campbell; it represents an opportunity to uplift the next generation of women in STEM. “I look forward to building connections and giving back to the next generation of women in STEM, particularly my high school club,” she stated.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships were established in 2012 by businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich to support the future of STEM disciplines in Canada. With a transformative fund exceeding $100 million, the program awards scholarships to 100 high school graduates enrolling in STEM programs at partner universities across Canada. Each high school is invited to nominate one Schulich Leader candidate annually, based on their academic excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and financial need.

As Steyn and Campbell embark on their academic journeys at UVic, they exemplify the qualities that the Schulich Leader Scholarships aim to promote: innovation, community engagement, and leadership in science and technology.