PhD Student Ilia Ferzoco Receives Pekka K. Sinervo Scholarship and Ramsay Wright Award, Recognizing Excellence in Freshwater Pond Research
Ilia Maria Ferzoco, PhD candidate, was awarded the esteemed Pekka K. Sinervo Scholarship for 2023 and the Ramsey-Wright Graduate Scholarship from Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. These accolades recognize her exceptional academic aptitude, leadership, and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of freshwater ecology.
The Pekka K. Sinervo Scholarship, presented by the Faculty of Arts & Science, celebrates Ferzoco's remarkable accomplishments both academically and through her leadership and service to the university community. Her unwavering commitment to student governance, community service, and volunteer work has left an indelible impact on the university's vibrant ecosystem.
Additionally, Ferzoco has been honored with the Ramsey-Wright Graduate Scholarship from the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Students eligible for the Ramsay Wright award are PhD candidates at any campus in their 3rd or 4th year who have done well academically, who have contributed to the life of graduate students in the EEB and/or Biology Departments, and who have not, previously, won the award.
Ferzoco's dedication to advancing our understanding of the mechanisms structuring freshwater pond insect communities has garnered recognition and admiration from her peers and mentors.
As a PhD candidate, Ferzoco's research delves into the intricate processes governing the ecological diversity and functional composition of urban stormwater ponds. Through her field surveys and experiments, she sheds light on the effects of urbanization on pond biodiversity and species dispersal ability, aiming to contribute to the conservation and appropriate management of freshwater habitats in cities. Her previous MSc research, examining coexistence in semi-aquatic insects through dispersal and competition trade-offs, showcases her versatility and expertise in the field.
Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the Pekka K. Sinervo Scholarship and the Ramsay Wright Award, Ferzoco said, " I am extremely honoured to receive the Pekka K. Sinervo Scholarship and the Ramsay Wright Award and am very much encouraged to continue dedicating my time and energy to my research and causes that are close to my heart like science outreach. I feel very fortunate to be a part of a department that is filled with amazing people and work alongside generous mentors, colleagues, and friends. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor Shannon McCauley, my PhD committee, the Let’s Talk Science UTM coordinator team, the EEB and UTM Biology departments, and my family and friends for their support, guidance, and inspiration!
Professor Shannon McCauley, Ferzoco's supervisor, commended her remarkable achievements, stating, "Ilia Ferzoco has undertaken a series of exciting projects in freshwater ecology during her time in the McCauley lab. Her doctoral research, supported by an NSERC CGS-D, explores the effects of urbanization on aquatic insect communities and their cascading impact on terrestrial bird communities. Her significant contributions to the field, including numerous published papers and multiple awards, exemplify her dedication and passion. Moreover, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her community through outstanding leadership in the lab and department, as well as her pivotal role as a coordinator for the Let's Talk Science program, promoting hands-on science learning in Peel Regional schools."
The Pekka K. Sinervo Scholarship and the Ramsay Wright Award serve as a testament to Ferzoco's exemplary scholarship and her unwavering dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in freshwater ecology. Her outstanding achievements and commitment to science outreach set a remarkable example for aspiring scientists, as she continues to shape the future of research and contribute to the betterment of society.
