CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards
CFUW Dr. Alice E. Wilson Awards 2025-2026
Total Value: $20,000
Two awards at the masters level and two for doctoral level study. The value of each award is $5,000.
Dr. Alice E. Wilson, CFUW member, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the first woman to hold a professional position at the Geological Survey of Canada won the 1926 CFUW Travelling Fellowship.
Awarded to mature students returning to graduate studies in any field after at least three years.
2025-2026 Winners:
Judith MacInnis
Frisha Nafeh
Thembelihle Moyo
Laura Semenuk
JUDITH MACINNIS
School: Memorial University
Research/Thesis Title: “Characterization and Applications of Calcium Rich Crab Shell Biochar.”
During snow crab processing, approximately one-third of the crab’s weight is discarded after the legs and shoulders are removed. This waste is typically sent to landfills—where it decomposes and releases greenhouse gases—incinerated, or dumped into the ocean, all of which raise serious environmental and ecological concerns. An alternative solution is converting this waste into biochar, a black carbon-rich material produced by heating the waste at high temperatures. This process not only mitigates those concerns but also creates a valuable material with diverse applications.
Crab shell waste, and the biochar derived from it, is particularly rich in calcium carbonate. Judy’s research explores various uses for both crab shell biochar (high in calcium carbonate) and demineralized crab shell biochar (rich in carbon). One promising application is as a greener, heterogeneous catalyst in transesterification. Catalysts reduce the energy required for chemical reactions, accelerating the reaction process. Unlike conventional catalysts—typically based on costly and environmentally problematic transition metals—biochar-based catalysts from renewable sources offer a sustainable and economical alternative. These biochar catalysts can be easily removed from reaction mixtures by simple filtration, avoiding the production of large volumes of wastewater. She is also investigating other potential uses of this calcium-rich material, including wastewater remediation and gold adsorption.
Judy is actively involved in STEM outreach for girls and underrepresented groups and is a passionate advocate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Indigenization, and Accessibility (EDIIA). In her free time, she enjoys gardening, walking her three dogs, and spending time with her family.
FRISHA NAFEH
School: University of Toronto
Research/Thesis Title: “Evaluating Long Term Health and Socio-Economic Outcomes Associated with Safe Supply Programs in Toronto.”
I’m a PhD candidate in Health Systems Research at the University of Toronto. My research aims to support better drug policies that improve healthcare access and quality for people who use drugs, with the goal of achieving better health outcomes. I’m also very interested in global health and exploring ways to strengthen health systems and policies in low-income countries, especially in conflict-affected settings. I deeply care about equity and my work seeks to make health services more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of underserved populations.
THEMBELIHLE MOYO
School: University of British Columbia
Research/Thesis Title: “Letters to My Predators.”
I am working on a hybrid memoir titled “Letters to My Predator.” This project is a journey of healing and liberation, not just for me, but for others who have faced similar challenges. It’s a story of resilience and strength, about those who have been through traumatic experiences and emerged stronger.
My goal is to create a work that will resonate with others, advocating for a safer world for everyone. I am grateful for the scholarship, which will help me complete my thesis/book. Having a supportive supervisor has also been invaluable. Writing from memory can be complicated, but their guidance is making the process more manageable. With their expertise, I am able to navigate the challenges and bring my story to life. This memoir is not just my story, but a testament to the strength of those who’ve faced adversity. I am excited to share it with others, hoping it will inspire and empower those who need it most. I believe “Letters to My Predator” will remain relevant for years to come, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and advocacy.
“To all the girls who went into the woods and came out different, this is for us.”
LAURA SEMENUK
School: Queens University
Research/Thesis Title: “Comprehensive Analysis for the Faster Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukemia and Myeloid Neoplasms.”
Laura Semenuk is a clinical genetics medical laboratory technologist with 17 years of experience in molecular genetics method development, clinical assay validation and implementation, with a keen eye for lean processes and quality improvement initiatives. She graduated from Western University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Honors Genetics degree, completed the clinical genetics medical laboratory technology certification in 2009 and then went on to complete a Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Management at the Schulich School of Business, York University in 2012.
Laura is now a graduate student in the department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen’s University. Her graduate work is focused on translational research initiatives to develop and improve the efficiency of clinical diagnostic testing for blood cancers, such as acute leukemias, lymphomas, and chronic myeloid diseases. She aims to develop genetic testing methods that provide rapid, cost-effective, and a complete assessment of the genetic underpinnings of a patient’s cancer: identifying biomarkers that inform the diagnosis, prognosis, and optimal treatments for that patient, advancing personalized precision medicine.
