Awards and Scholarships

Sumita Dixit Scholarship for Diverse Voices
Caroline Ayebale, 2025 recipient

“I’m in my second year Political Science student at Carleton University with a strong interest in international relations, refugee policy, and Indigenous rights. As a refugee and youth advocate, I’m passionate about building inclusive communities and shaping policies that advance equity and justice. I currently serve as the Community Partnerships Coordinator for WUSC Carleton, where I support refugee students and lead initiatives to strengthen campus engagement. My long-term goal is to influence global migration and human rights policy, particularly by advocating for displaced and marginalized populations through both research and grassroots action.”

This award was established in 2024 by the Dixit family, in memory of Sumita Dixit BJ/1998, a Canadian diplomat who advocated for the inclusion of women’s voices in humanitarian and diplomatic arenas.  It is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student who identifies as a woman and is Indigenous, Black or a member of another racialized group. Eligible recipients will be entering or continuing in a Bachelors degree in Political Science with a scholarly specialization in International Relations and/or Comparative Politics.”

Vered Foundation Scholarship
Liz Marchand, 2025 recipient

“My undergraduate experience has been anything but typical. In May 2024, after my third year studying Media Production and Design, I transferred to Political Science. Over the past year, I have found an academic home within the Department of Political Science — thanks to intellectually stimulating courses, engaging professors, and a lively group of peers. Here, I’ve achieved academic success I would have never thought possible during my earlier, more turbulent years at Carleton.

I am particularly interested in Canadian and American Foreign Policy as well as relations between both countries; an interest I discovered while producing a podcast for an assignment in my old program. Next year, I look forward to exploring Canada-U.S dynamics further as I write my Honours Research Essay.

Outside of academics, I’ve volunteered and worked for the Ottawa Centre NDP through canvassing and fundraising roles. I now serve as co-chair of the Carleton University New Democrats.”

Garret Elsey Memorial Award
Dylan Haegeman, 2025 recipient

“I am a fourth-year student in the political science honours program, with an additional concentration in international relations. I have a particular interest in foreign policy, international law, and international institutions. The strength of the program is what encouraged me to choose Carleton, and I have enjoyed my time enrolled in it.”

The Garrett Elsey Memorial award was endowed in memory of Garrett Elsey, BAHons/2012, by his family and many friends to celebrate his love of learning, generosity, adventurous spirit, active involvement in Carleton campus life and being a proud Canadian. It is awarded to a student in their graduating year who, in addition to maintaining the academic levels of the degree program, has been an active participant in extracurricular activities at the University.”

R.A. MacKay Award in Political Science
Maia Tustonic, 2025 recipient

Maia Tustonic is in her final year of a combined honours degree in journalism and political science, with a concentration in international relations and world politics. In her studies, she enjoys analyzing political discourses and right-wing populist movements through a feminist and gendered lens. When not writing essays or news articles, Maia can be found reading the work of investigative journalists or daydreaming about international travel.

The R.A. MacKay Award in Political Science was endowed by the late Dr. Robert Alexander Mackay (1894-1979), who was a distinguished scholar in Canadian government, a senior member of the Department of External Affairs, professor of political science at Carleton University from 1961, and founding associate director of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, 1966-68.

David J. Bellamy Memorial Scholarship
Sophia Hastings, 2025 recipient

Sophia Hastings is in her final year of her joint honours political science and law degree at Carleton. She’s been on exchange the last year at the University of Leeds, where she’s learned she fancies football.

The Bellamy Scholarship was endowed in honour of David J. Bellamy (1940-2004), who was both a graduate of and valued faculty member in Carleton’s Department of Political Science. The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student proceeding from year three to year four of their program.

Hume Wrong Scholarship
Mattea Sanger-Morris, 2025 recipient

This scholarship is awarded annually to the leading student in their Third year of History or Political Science who is proceeding to their final Honours year.

Established and endowed in 1962 by Mrs. Hume Wrong in memory of her late husband, Humphrey Hume Wrong, who was a professor of history and career diplomat, including serving in the League of Nations, as Canada’s ambassador to the United States from 1946 to 1953, and one of the key architects of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Ana Clara Miranda Guimarães

“I am in the Combined Honours Political Science and Law program and will be going into my fourth year this fall. In my past years at Carleton, I have been a member of different clubs and societies, which have given me so many opportunities for academic and career growth, as well as helped me make amazing friendships along the way. In the past year, I served as the Associate Vice President Research and Advocacy for the Carleton University’s Students’ Association (CUSA), which allowed me to be directly involved with the Carleton student body and use my knowledge and power to advocate for meaningful change. After three years as an executive member, I have been elected as Co-President of the Carleton Political Science Society for the following year. My experience with the Carleton student body, the community, and the Political Science Department has shaped my university journey. It has been incredibly fulfilling to know that Carleton has given be tangible opportunities to practice my passions and see them come to fruition.”

Kyra Vellinga

“I am heading into my final year of a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in Political Science and Law, Concentration in Transnational Law and Human Rights. Carleton courses such as Global Environmental Politics, along with my exchange term studying maritime law in the Netherlands, have fuelled my passion for equitable environmental governance. Exercising this value in practice, I’ve spent the past three summers working in the planning and regulations department of a conservation authority, where I assist in protecting sensitive parts of the watershed from development. Additionally, on campus I’ve been heavily involved with Carleton’s independent student newspaper, the Charlatan, serving as the arts and culture editor, features editor and now Chair of the Board of Directors. Looking to the future, I hope to eventually practice environmental and municipal law, guided by principles of inclusivity, care and collaboration.”

Oleksandr Panchenko

“I am a current fourth year student of BA of Political Science with double concentration in International Relations and Canadian Politics.  I am a member of a Carleton Ukrainians Student Club.  I have two publications in student-run academic journals. First is called “Limits of International Liberalism” and was published in the Michigan Journal of Political Science. Second is called “08.08.08: The Analysis of Causes of the Russo-Georgian War” and was published in the Dialectics of Governance. Outside of Academia I am a volunteer for Ukrainian Canadian Congress.”

Jocelyn Cournoyea

“I’m going into my 4th year at Carleton with a major in political science and minor in Human rights and social justice. Since my second year I have been on the executive team for the Carleton Political Science Society and heading into my second years as Vice President Communications. CPSS has become such an important community for me and I am so grateful that I get to work with such amazing people! This summer I have worked as an intern on the legal support team at Torys LLP, supporting the pensions and employment group. I have learned so much about the legal profession throughout my time at Torys and hope to continue down this path in the future.”

Nawaila Imtiaz

“As I head into my fourth year of Political Science at Carleton University, I’m grateful to be living and studying in Ottawa, a city where I’ve been able to engage with Canadian politics both inside the classroom and beyond. Over the past year, I’ve worked on the Hill as a Legislative Assistant to the Member of Parliament for Mississauga Erin-Mills, an experience that’s deepened my understanding of policy, and how our government functions.

On campus, I’ve served as Co-President of the Pakistani Students’ Association and the Human Rights Society and will be serving Vice President External of the Carleton Political Science Society. These experiences have helped me get involved in ways I never imagined and have allowed me to take full advantage of my time at Carleton.”

Lorig Korajian

Lorig Korajian is a third-year Political Science student at Carleton University, concentrating in International Relations and World Politics. Originally from British Columbia, her passion for justice and human rights stems from her Armenian-Canadian upbringing in Vancouver. She served as Vice President External of the Carleton Political Science Society and is active in advocacy and community work through internships with the Armenian National Committee of Canada and by teaching at Ottawa’s Ararad Armenian Sunday School. She hopes to continue building on her leadership and advocacy experience to create more inclusive and empowered communities.

Camila Bazet Najera

“My time at Carleton University has been marked by enriching experiences, largely due to its vibrant community, strong academic offerings, and the support of dedicated faculty and peers. This upcoming fall, I will be entering my fourth year of studies in Political Science and Law, with a concentration in International Relations and World Politics. Through my academic journey, I have had the opportunity to engage in impactful coursework, including Politics of Latin America  and a fourth-year seminar in Environmental Politics, both of which have significantly influenced my worldview.

I am deeply passionate about issues related to environmental politics, race and gender equality, international development, and migration. Currently, I am completing my second co-op placement at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), where I have gained valuable insights into the functioning of the Canadian government and public policy-making processes.

On campus, I have been actively involved in the Political Science Society, serving as the third-year representative and recently being elected as Vice President of Finance for the upcoming term. This involvement has allowed me to cultivate meaningful connections and further explore my political interests. Additionally, I have contributed to research efforts with the Student Association, served as a student ambassador, and participated in various student-led initiatives and clubs, each of which has added depth and meaning to my university experience.

Beyond academics, I have a strong appreciation for nature and the outdoors. I have a particular love for the ocean and enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.”