Hydrometallurgy John E. Dutrizac, Fathi Habashi and Henry Salomon de Friedberg Undergraduate Scholarships
2026 Recipients
JOHN E. DUTRIZAC UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Roman Verbaan
Queen's University
For outstanding accomplishments in the pursuit of an undergraduate degree in hydrometallurgy.
Roman has just finished his second year of mining engineering at Queen’s University, selecting the mineral processing option. Over the last few years, he has developed a strong passion for mining and metallurgy. He is very active in student clubs, and is the incoming chair for the Queen’s Conference on Business & Mining, which bridges the industry’s financial and technical aspects. Between his first and second year he completed a summer internship at SGS, where he worked on various hydrometallurgical projects involving rare earth and base metal processing, and carbon capture. Currently Roman is working with Iamgold at their Côté Gold site as a metallurgy summer student, looking to further his understanding of metallurgical processes.
FATHI HABASHI UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Baihe Wan
McGill University
For outstanding accomplishments in the pursuit of an undergraduate degree in hydrometallurgy.
Baihe Wan is a Materials Engineering student in the Co-op Program at McGill University. Growing up with parents who both work in the materials engineering field, she was introduced to the importance of materials in everyday life from an early age. This background gradually inspired her interest in understanding how materials are produced, used, and improved for real-world applications. During her studies and co-op experiences, Baihe developed a strong interest in hydrometallurgy, especially in the recycling and recovery of valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries. Her research experience at McGill’s HydroMET Lab has strengthened her passion for battery materials and clean technology. In the future, she hopes to continue working in the battery field and contribute to more sustainable solutions for energy storage, electric vehicles, and circular resource use.
HENRY SALOMON DE FRIEDBERG UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Jean-Thomas Parizeau-Breton
Université Laval
For outstanding accomplishments in the pursuit of an undergraduate degree in hydrometallurgy.
Jean-Thomas Parizeau-Breton is a third-year mining and mineralogy engineering student at Université Laval. Passionate about the technical and operational challenges of the mining industry, he is particularly interested in hydrometallurgy, drilling and blasting and rock mechanics.
Throughout his studies, he has gained solid practical experience by completing four diverse internships covering hydrometallurgy, underground mining, open-pit mining and production. Highly engaged in his academic community, he also serves as the Vice President of Educational Affairs for his student association.
Always eager to expand his knowledge, he actively participates in industry events and networking. In his free time, Jean-Thomas enjoys mountain hiking and playing team sports such as baseball and volleyball.
| 2025 – Jessica Rudd, Laurentian University (Hydrometallurgy Fathi Habashi Undergraduate Scholarship) | 2025 – Sam Pysklywec, Queen’s University, JOHN E. DUTRIZAC UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP |
| 2025 – Warren Wourms, University of Saskatchewan, HENRY SALOMON DE FRIEDBERG UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP | 2024 – Brianna Hillier, Memorial University (John E. Dutrizac Undergraduate Scholarship) |
| 2024 – Orissa Ghai, Queen’s University (Fathi Habashi Undergraduate Scholarship) | 2024 – Vincent Verbaan, Queen’s University (Henry Salomon De Friedberg Undergraduate Scholarship) |
| 2023 – Dutrizac Scholarship: William Slaney, Memorial University | 2023 – Habashi Scholarship: Jilai Zhang, University of Toronto |
| 2022 – Dutrizac Scholarship: Julia Twinney, Queen’s University | 2022 – Habashi Scholarship: Audrey Scanlan, Carleton University |
| 2021 – Dutrizac Scholarship: Brendan Hubert, Queen’s University | 2021 – Habashi Scholarship: Andre Santoso, University of Montreal |
| 2020 – Dutrizac Scholarship: Andrew Borschnek, Queen’s University | 2020 – Habashi Scholarship: Ahmed Kabil, University of Toronto |
| 2019 – Jungwoon Lee, Queen’s University | 2019 – Adrian Singer, McGill University |
| 2018 – Carter Senis, Queen’s University | 2018 – William Dixon, McGill University |
| 2017 – Chenbo Xu, University of Toronto | 2017 – William Courchesne, McGill University |
| 2016 – James Cruikshanks, Queen’s University | 2015 – Justin Riggio, McGill University |
| 2014 – Cooper Meadows, University of Saskatchewan | 2014 – Cameron Hill, McGill University |
| 2013 – Jonathan Leung, University of Toronto | 2013 – Raphael Soldi-Giribaldi, University of Toronto |
| 2012 – Corinne Nicole Smith, Memorial University | 2012 – David Clive Elliott, Memorial University |
| 2011 – Sara Fitzel, University of Alberta | 2011 – Jordan Zampini, McGill University |
Purpose of the Scholarship
To encourage undergraduate students at Canadian universities to enter the engineering field and science discipline of hydrometallurgy, the Hydrometallurgy Section offers three scholarships:
JOHN E. DUTRIZAC SCHOLARSHIP
FATHI HABASHI SCHOLARSHIP
HENRY SALOMON DE FRIEDBERG SCHOLARSHIPÂ
Henry began his journey with Teck as an Engineer in Training at Teck’s Trail Operations. During his time in Trail Henry assisted in the start-up of various plants, including Zinc Pressure Leach, the Copper Products Plant, and the KIVCET lead furnace which was essential to the long-term success of the operation. Starting in 1996 Henry took a position at Quebrada Blanca in Chile where he was involved in the successful commissioning of the first large-scale secondary sulphide heap leach operation. After 5-years he moved back to Trail for several years before joining CESL in Richmond in 2007 where he worked until his retirement in 2016. Â
Henry was passionate about his work and metallurgy. This passion helped him foster innovation in the workplace, increase fundamental understanding and support the development of metallurgists through his ties to UBC. He was a mentor to many. Henry’s expertise and love of learning supported numerous staff and other Teck projects during his career. Henry’s expertise supported numerous projects during his career, and his passion for development of metallurgists left an impactful legacy.Â
Scholarship Terms
In 2020, in memory of John Dutrizac and to encourage undergraduate students at Canadian universities to enter the discipline of hydrometallurgy, the Hydrometallurgy Section has instituted the John E. Dutrizac Scholarship of $2,500 annually.Â
In 2020, in recognition of Fathi Habashi and to encourage undergraduate students at Canadian universities to enter the discipline of hydrometallurgy, the Hydrometallurgy Section has instituted the Fathi Habashi Scholarship of $2,500 annually.
In 2024, in recognition of Henry Salomon de Friedberg and to encourage undergraduate students at Canadian universities who are passionate about metallurgy, are analytical, and intend to work in the field of mining or metallurgy, to enter the discipline of hydrometallurgy, the Hydrometallurgy Section has instituted the Henry Salomon de Friedberg Scholarship of $2,500 annually.
In addition to the cash award mentioned for each award or scholarship, we award one free registration for the conference at which we present the award or scholarship, plus free admission to the social events we sponsor at that conference.
Eligibility
Scholarship Criteria Applicants must be a full-time students at a Canadian University in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th (final) year of a program at the undergraduate level and intend to work or carry out research in a field of science and engineering with relevance to hydrometallurgy. CIM student membership is not required but CIM members may be given preference over non-members. Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Resident students; however, International students attending a recognized Canadian educational institution are welcome to apply. Awarding of these scholarship will be based upon applicants’ academic achievements and motivation in the field of science and engineering with relevance to hydrometallurgy. Consideration will be given to the applicant’s past work experiences and extracurricular activities.
No formal application forms are given. The applicant is requested to submit a written application in English or French, including the following documentation to the CIM MetSoc Hydrometallurgy Section Scholarship Committee:
- Student Statement Letter – Prepare a maximum 200-word statement explaining: Applicant’s career objectives in hydrometallurgy Applicant’s educational objectives How this scholarship would help the applicant attain the above objectives Why the applicant wants to work in the field of hydrometallurgy and how he/she will maintain involvement with the hydrometallurgical industry or research community. The Committee reserves the right to contact the reference persons provided by the scholarship applicants.
- Student Resume – Indicate internships, work and/or co-op experience, academic courses and projects related to the applicant’s intended area of study in college or university. Extracurricular activities should be highlighted as an important aspect of the application.
- Official Transcript – Request and submit one original transcript to date from the applicant’s school(s).
- Name, title and contact information for 2 reference persons – The referees could be faculties, employers, teachers, coaches, etc. At least one referee should be familiar with the applicant’s academic performance. The Committee reserves the right to contact the reference persons provided by the scholarship applicants.
- Applicants of the Lucy Rosato Scholarships are automatically enrolled in the Hydrometallurgical Undergraduate Scholarships.
Submit your application
Email your application package to Georgios Kolliopoulos and Ramanpal Saini, Chairs of Student Support at: Georgios.Kolliopoulos@gmn.ulaval.ca and ramanpal.saini@vale.com
The application deadline is February 10, 2026
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The scholarship application program is closed for 2026.
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