Passion for science
New Victoria student receives scholarship to conduct research in Germany
Brianna Desveaux has always had a passion for science and what interested her the most was knowing how things work.
Desveaux is currently in the third year of her bachelor of science degree, majoring in chemistry, and is also working toward receiving her diploma in engineering at Cape Breton University.
The New Victoria resident was recently awarded with the Liebig Scholarship from the University of Giessen in Germany, where she will conduct research in the country for just over two months.
In order to receive the scholarship, Desveaux had to write a motivational letter, basically telling the selection committee why she loved chemistry and why she wanted to do research in that country.
Desveaux was thrilled to receive the news she had been given the award.
“I was sitting in math and science
class, where I work, when I received the email,” said Desveaux. “I just couldn’t believe it was real.”
“It means so much to me, it’s surreal.” said the 20-year-old.
Desveaux, the daughter of Brian and Kim Desveaux of New Victoria, graduated from Breton Education Centre in 2014, before attending Cape Breton University.
Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel, associate professor for inorganic chemistry and department chair of chemistry in the school of science and technology at CBU, said Desveaux is a very bright student with top marks and has hands-on research experience over the past two years.
“I was very happy for Brianna and also very proud,” said Bierenstiel. “This is a great opportunity for her. It shows she is independent and ready to be on her own in a different country — the signs that graduate schools and future employers want to see.”
Desveaux credits Dr. Bierenstiel for making the opportunity possible.
“I’ve been working for him since my first year of university,” said Desveaux. “He knew about the scholarship from a friend in Germany and he thought I would be a good fit for the program and recommended I apply.”
The scholarship, valued at $8,000, gives students from around the world an opportunity to connect and work on chemistry research projects for a twomonth period. Desveaux won’t know the exact project she will be working on until she arrives in the country.
Desveaux will leave for Germany on May 11 and return to Cape Breton on July 15.
Desveaux isn’t the first student from Cape Breton University to receive this scholarship. Two other students from the university were given the award in past years, those students moving on to study in professional and PhD programs.
Bierenstiel said Desveaux winning the scholarship highlights the strengths of Cape Breton University. “We provide a great education to students and are proud of our small class sizes,” he said. “This gives students much more attention where as at bigger universities, students can get lost.”
“As an educator, this is exactly what one wants to see and it’s part of my passion of being a university professor,” said Bierenstiel. “During the past three years, I have seen Brianna becoming better academically, but also personally. This is what university is about. She has a bright future ahead.” Desveaux is nervous about the experience, but said the excitement overweights it.
“My overall goal is to get some really great research experience while getting to travel and to explore.”
Desveaux will have free time during the weekends while in Germany. She said she’s planning to travel as much as possible and experience as much of Europe as she can.
She said she has many people to thank for getting her where she is today.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel, he has done so much for me,” said Desveaux. “Working for him has given me more opportunities than I could’ve dreamed of.”