Minerals Science and Engineering Student Award
2026 Recipient
Alicia Nercessian
McGill University
Alicia Nercessian is a third-year materials engineering student at McGill University.
She is interested in extractive metallurgy. From mineral processing to hydrometallurgy, she is eager to contribute to the industry upon graduation. Alicia has completed her first co-op internship at CCR and Glencore and is now pursuing a second internship in the copper field. Alicia is also president of the McGill MetSoc Student Chapter. With the executive team, she has organized networking events and factory tours. Alicia participates in mentorship programs to support female first-year engineering students.
2025 – Katie Fardella, Queen’s University
2024 – Luke Woolcock, Queen’s University
About the award
This student award opportunity was created with the intention of encouraging promising undergraduate and graduate students to join or remain in the field of mineral processing by offering them exposure to different career options and an opportunity to network with industry professionals. The award will support a brief four to six day visit to various places of work (a metallurgical testing laboratory, an engineering firm, and an operating site).
The award has no cash prize, but an expected monetary value of approximately $2,500 – $3,000 per recipient (subject to travel costs at the time of the award). The location of the visits will depend on the location of the selected student. One student will be selected per year.
Eligibility
Applicants must be an undergraduate (in their second year or more) or a graduate student (in the first two years of study) enrolled in a science or engineering program at a Canadian university.
The nominated students must provide the following documents:
1. Proof of academic standing with an unofficial transcript
2. A cover letter documenting the following:
- their interest in mining, metallurgy, or geology
- what they hope to gain through the travel experience
- their vision of the mining industry’s future
The Awards Committee of the Minerals Sciences and Engineering section will evaluate the nominees and select the student for the year. The selection will be based on the quality of the cover letter (clarity of writing, enthusiasm/ interest in the industry, and professionalism of the letter) with consideration for academic merit.
Student Award
The successful proponent will be offered to visit a laboratory, engineering firm, and operating mine.
The visits will include a brief introduction to the company, a tour of operations and facilities, meetings/introductions to leadership, and one-on-one time with a new grad to share skills and experiences.
The award will cover airfare, accommodations, and a per diem for meals.
The scholarship application is closed for 2026.