INNOVATION November-December 2021

Following his employment with Microsoft, he enrolled at KPU to pursue geological research in the Pacific Northwest. Drawing from his computer science background, Brian created automated programs to collect geological data from government websites and plot the data in time and space. Dr. Leonora King was Brian’s geography instructor at KPU. She recalls her first class with Brian and his enthusiasm for data. “He came to me with these charts and graphs that he'd been making for years with different data sources of earthquake depths, seafloor movement, seismic and tectonic data in the Pacific Northwest and in Canada. He wanted to take my class to learn how to move forward with the questions he had from his data,” Leonora said. Brian and Leonora fine-tuned his ideas to continue his education in graduate school when Brian unexpectedly passed away. “It really made me sad to know he couldn't keep going. Brian was so curious, kind, and grateful. He had many obstacles throughout his life yet was so happy that someone was willing to help him with his projects,” Leonora said. AN EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORIAM In the aftermath of his passing, it became clear that Brian’s path was full of obstacles that were barriers his journey to become a professional geoscientist. Through Brian, Leonora saw some of the difficulties faced by Indigenous people and believed a memorial scholarship in Brian’s name would be an important step to commemorate such a tragic loss. “I hope the scholarship can help other students earlier. Give them the opportunity for a fulfilling career—

Brent and Leonora were encouraged to continue striving towards their fundraising goal after receiving a $10,000 donation from Fortis BC, a $5,000 donation from Palmer, a $5,000 donation from Safe Software, and smaller donations from individuals and other geoscience companies in BC. The Engineers and Geoscientists BC Foundation encourages anyone able to donate to visit egbc.ca/foundation- donation and help reach the goal of $100,000 to support Indigenous undergraduate geoscience students. HOW TO APPLY The scholarship is available to self- identified Indigenous students through their respective university’s Indigenous student’s office. Students must be enrolled in a geoscience program or planning to enroll in a geoscience program at a BC post-secondary institution. Students may be a non-BC resident but must be enrolled at a BC post-secondary institution.

Applications will be evaluated based on an essay submission, transcripts, and supporting information such as letters of support. Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 30, 2022. For more information about the scholarship and application process, visit egbc.ca/Brian-Nadjiwon-Scholarship .

Dr. Leonora King, KPU Geography Instructor. P hoto submitted by D r . L eonora K ing

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especially because geoscience and Indigenous people are so intertwined,” Leonora said.

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