Students on the Faculty of Science Dean’s List honoured

At an evening reception on February 7, the Faculty of Science celebrated the academic achievement of their students who had earned a place on the 2012 Dean’s List. First-year students whose academic record so far this year indicated they were on track to make it to the 2013 Dean’s List were also invited. The gala reception, held for the third year in a row, saw close to 200 students mingling with family, friends, faculty, administration, alumni and donors.

Natasha Ramkay, a fourth-year student in the Food Science and Nutrition program, was the keynote speaker. Ramkay, currently working on her Honours thesis on the antioxidant activity of flaxseeds in Chemistry Professor Farah Hosseinian’s lab, recalled her early trepidation at choosing Carleton. “When applying for universities I knew I wanted to go to Carleton for their food program, but was worried how far it was from my Toronto home.” She’d also heard horror stories about university classes with 300+ students and professors not being available to help and so students were left on their own to sort through course material. But her misgivings quickly disappeared once she got here.  “I have never had a bad experience with any professor here at Carleton. They have always been available to help outside of class and encouraged us to raise questions and concerns. I realized very quickly that they wanted me to succeed as much as I wanted to succeed.” And succeed she has. During her studies here, Ramkay has maintained an A minus  average and has participated in the Emerging Leaders  Program, been a member of the Peer Conduct Board, volunteered with the Science Student Success Centre and currently mentors first-year students in her program.

At the close of the evening, all the students present gathered for a group photo. Malcolm Butler, Dean of Science, was very pleased at the record number of students who attended the event. “It’s great to celebrate how hard these students have worked – in the classroom and outside. We always want our students to be successful in all aspects of their pursuits but ultimately achieving this kind of success is in their hands. I think it’s important to gather as a Faculty and congratulate them on their efforts.”