News

The Dr. Gerry W. Friars Undergraduate Research Prize is awarded annually to the student who is judged to have completed the best written research report as part of the fourth-year project requirements. Laura O’Quinn, from Kippens, NL, was selected as the 2017 recipient.

“I was extremely honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Dr. Gerry Friar’s award. The recognition that the award has given me as an academic and young-professional means so much as I graduate and begin the next chapter of my life,” says Laura.

Laura adds that the award is a great addition to her resume and eases some financial burdens.

Dr. Friars, an alumnus from 1948, was introduced to scientific research by an undergraduate research project, thus beginning a career in research and teaching. His passion for research eventually led him to developing his award at NSAC to financially support students who shared his appetite. Originally valued at $250, Dr. Friar’s continued investment has increased the award to nearly $1,000. Over the years, Dr. Friars has financially assisted many students, like Laura.

“Dr. Friar’s award has also given me confidence in my ability to succeed,” says Laura. “This was my first attempt at research. The process was challenging and I often doubted the quality of my work.” Graduation can be an overwhelming time and Laura says it’s easy to second-guess your skills and ability to reach your goals.

“The fact that professors with research experience and extensive knowledge of agriculture chose my paper to be worthy of this award has allowed me to set my own goals a little higher and, ultimately, to dream a little bigger,” she says.

Laura’s winning paper was titled, Farmer perspectives on the use of perennial forages as sustainable management decisions.

“The purpose of my research was to collect farmer perspectives on the use of sustainable crop rotations,” she says.

Specifically, Laura surveyed Maritime farmers about their use of perennial forages. This included why, how much, and in what way they include perennial forages on their farms. It also asked farmers if they would be interested in increasing their use of perennial forages and the barriers which limited that possibility. Lastly, the survey tried to get an idea of changes that could be made here in the Maritimes to stimulate change and help farmers overcome the barriers they face in sustainability decisions.

“This research topic was appealing to me because I have felt passionate about sustainability in agriculture since the beginning of my education here at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture. I wanted to focus on this subject but, as a student of business and social sciences, I needed to look beyond just what was good for the environment,” says Laura.

She adds that her research touched on economic and social aspects of sustainability by communicating with farmers about the complicated nature of deciding to alter practices based on environmental benefits alone. Laura believes these opinions could be useful to stimulate change and that it is important for researchers, scientists, social activists and farmers to work together if practices are going to shift in a positive direction.

Pleased with the outcomes of her research and findings, being selected as the Dr. Gerry W. Friars Undergraduate Research Prize recipient made Laura’s hard work even more worthwhile.

“I sincerely appreciate the generosity and acknowledgement of Dr. Gerry Friar’s award,” says Laura. “I know that it will surely make a difference to my future career in agriculture.”