Acadia University and the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre have selected three incoming undergraduate students as Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholars in 2025.   

The scholarship, valued at $80,000 over four years, is among the most prestigious in Canada. It is awarded to students with an incoming Grade Point Average (GPA) of over 90 per cent with a demonstrated history of community involvement and passion for the environment. In addition to the financial support, the recipients are integrated into a mentorship network of current scholars and alumni. This network is growing as the scholarship is now in its twelfth year. 

The recipients will be involved in academic research during their time at Acadia University. Through the scholarship program, connections are encouraged to ensure each student is engaged in research that aligns with their unique interests.  

“I’m thrilled the Arthur L. Irving Family Scholarships are enabling these students to explore their research passions alongside outstanding faculty and staff at the world-class K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre. Each student in this group has already impressed me, and I look forward to seeing the impact they will make at Acadia and in the future. We are deeply thankful to the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation for their continued generosity and support.”

Dr. Ian Spooner, Director of Research at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre

The 2025 Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship recipients are:   

Becca Cook, Truro, Nova Scotia. Becca will be studying biology and will bring her passion for environmental education to Acadia.  

Davin MacAskill, Sackville, New Brunswick. Davin will be studying biology hoping to focus on wildlife conservation and biodiversity.  

Ellie O’Driscoll, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Ellie will study community development with a focus on environmental health impacts to remote communities.  

The Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation Scholarship recognizes that environmental study is an interdisciplinary field. To reflect this, students are accepted from a variety of undergraduate programs. 

 Scholars often describe the opportunity as life-changing, opening doors to a variety of possibilities, students gain the confidence to begin research early on in their academic careers.   

To read full biographies of the new recipients, please click here.