It’s Amrita Nair’s first time in Canada and after spending the last two months studying at the University of Alberta, she’s not sure she wants to leave.
“Edmonton is a great and diverse city, with really friendly people and many interesting opportunities,” said Nair, an economics student at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. “This time here has opened my eyes to the great opportunities here in Canada, and I am definitely considering coming back here to work.”
Nair is just one of 28 elite students from India who travelled more than 12,000 km for the opportunity to collaborate on important research taking place at the U of A. She and her colleagues are among a group of 46 top undergraduate students who have come to Alberta to apply their skills to complex research projects through the Mitacs Globalink program.
“We all are in different programs, working with different professors on different projects,” said Nair, who is focused on the economic aspects of the Alberta Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, a province-run project promoting active living and healthy eating. “I’ve loved every minute of my research so far.”
The students, whose participation in the program was based on their academic success in India, have been given the chance to positively impact research for provincial initiatives and programs.
They’ve collaborated with the university on medical, economical and ecological projects, and according to officials, it’s beneficial for the province to have a broadened perspective on these issues.
“Programs such as Globalink help position Alberta as a world-leading research and innovation destination,” said Greg Weadick, minister of advanced education and technology. “We are thrilled to host these young inter-national leaders in Alberta.” Albert a has prov ided $375,000 towards the program.
The Edmonton Sun
Wed Jul 6 2011
Page: 23
Section: New s
Byline: ANGELIQUE RODRIGUES, EDMONTON SUN
