Media Releases and Opportunities

» Go to news main

Media Release: Students at Dalhousie University receive Canada’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship

Posted by Dalhousie Communications on October 14, 2025 in News

Students at Dalhousie University receive Canada’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship

Universities announce their 2025 Schulich Leaders, winning $120,000 or $100,000 scholarships for undergraduate study.


October 14, 2025 - (HALIFAX, N.S.) Two Dalhousie University students have been named recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship.

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,400 students were nominated, of which 100 received this celebrated award.

Matthew Oh is a recipient of the $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Harrison Trimble High School in Moncton, New Brunswick, he will enter the Faculty of Engineering this fall. Oh was selected for his desire to affect change using engineering to drive human-centered solutions, particularly in the field of neurological implants. The selection committee also noted his demonstrated ability for innovative thinking and passion for mastering the technical skills required to solve real-world problems. Oh is an NBIAA wrestling silver medalist and served on the District Educational Council, representing all Anglophone East School District students.

Reese Ochitwa is a recipient of the $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Bert Church High School in Airdrie, Alberta, she will enter the Faculty of Computer Science this fall. Ochitwa was selected for her outstanding academic achievements and her drive to create opportunities for herself and those around her. As founder of her school’s coding club, she sought creative ways to keep members engaged and secure teacher sponsorship. The selection committee also praised her goal to use software innovation to advance health and accessibility in her community, as well as her leadership as a youth advocate for the Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs.

“Schulich Leader Scholarships enable Canada’s top universities to attract and retain our exceptional STEM talent here at home, empowering them to become the innovators and entrepreneurs our country needs. When these scholars go on to drive prosperity and strengthen our economy, Canada must ensure the right economic conditions exist so they can build their promising futures here. Supporting their entrepreneurial ambition is essential for turning Canadian ingenuity into lasting national success,” says program founder Mr. Schulich.

“Matthew and Reese represent the kind of curiosity, courage, and community spirit we value at Dalhousie. These scholarships open doors to hands-on learning and research that changes lives. We are thrilled to welcome them, and we will support them as they turn great ideas into real impact for Atlantic Canada and beyond,” says Kim Brooks, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dalhousie University.

These awards highlight the exceptional talent and potential of Dalhousie students. As Schulich Leaders, Matthew and Reese will pursue their studies with support that empowers them to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to their communities from day one.

About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada

Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $200 million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars, the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded technology innovators.

Through The Schulich Foundation, these prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is a leading Canadian research university where students learn by doing and ideas meet real-world impact. With an exceptional student experience and research strengths aligned with global challenges, Dalhousie is where infinite ambition meets global impact.

Media inquiries

Lindsay Dowling-Savelle, Dalhousie University | Lindsay.Savelle@dal.ca | 902-222-8810
David Goodman, The Schulich Foundation | dgoodman@schulichfoundation.org| 416-480-6485
Dara Newton, Schulich Leaders | dnewton@uja.schulichleaders.com | 416-480-6492

More information: schulichleaders.com