Awards Recognize Geology Student's Dedication to Academics and Community

(November 24, 2009 - Thunder Bay, ON) Third-year geology student Katarina Bjorkman has recently received two awards totalling $5,500 in recognition of both her academic and community-based achievements.

A one-time award of $4,500 as a Laureate of the esteemed 2009/2010 Millennium Excellence In-Course Award Program is a marvellous gift. The award recognizes, supports, and encourages talented Canadians who make positive and significant contributions to the betterment of their communities. It showcases those who demonstrate a capacity for leadership, and commit themselves to the pursuit of academic excellence and innovation. In addition to undertaking various leadership and community service roles during her high school years, this high-achiever also adopted a nurturing role in her hometown, located in the Sapawe area – approximately 30 minutes northeast of Atikokan. Here, Katarina took care of her neighbours and those in need. She gardened, shovelled snow, raked leaves, split wood, and completed general household chores for widows and elderly couples who needed a helping hand. “These folks have come into my life because they’ve trusted me enough to make me an important part of their lives. It’s great to feel like I’m really making a difference. I enjoy helping people. They are part of my life – I love them and they know it.” This award also recognizes Katarina’s role in organizing, coordinating, and leading staking and prospecting contracts.

Bjorkman was also awarded $1,000 from the Women's Association of the Mining Industry of Canada. This award is presented annually to a third or fourth-year undergraduate student enrolled in programs including mining, metallurgy, geology, geophysics, geological engineering, or related studies in earth sciences at an accredited Canadian university. The successful awardee must also have attained an average mark of 85% or higher.

In her final year of high school, Katarina was in line for some highly sought after scholarships, including the Governor General's Medal for Academic Excellence and a substantial entrance award from Lakehead University. But, life took her down a different path and she decided not to enrol in higher education immediately after graduating high school. "I've always loved learning and being involved in the academic environment," explains the 27-year-old award recipient. "But, when it was time for me to decide what to do with my life after high school, I just wasn't ready to enrol - in anything or at any school. I knew Geology was the right fit for me, and I couldn’t wait to get out into nature to start working."

Years ago, Katarina’s father left his career in the Hydro field to pursue contracting work, subsequently became interested in prospecting, and soon started a family tradition as Katarina also flourished in her role as a prospector and claim staker for seven years following her high school graduation. She was contracted by various exploration companies around Northwestern Ontario, and even the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Sweden, and Norway. Bjorkman loved her line of work from the onset. “I love our land – the rocks, blue lakes, forests, the physical exertion, and I love the search for minerals.”

Katarina couldn't be happier now that she's back in the academic realm - studying a subject she is so passionate about. She may explore future academic goals, but plans to work in exploration once again immediately following completion of her undergraduate degree. She eagerly awaits the arrival of spring 2010 when she’ll have a chance to get back to nature – full-time. For now though, Katarina is happy to have received this recognition and the financial support that accompanies it, and will use the money from both awards to cover this year's tuition costs.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca