Two new annual bursaries worth $10,000 each will give University of Lethbridge students studying remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) or geography a financial boost for the next five years thanks to a donation from TECTERRA, a Calgary-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of geospatial technology.
“We are very grateful to TECTERRA for establishing these bursaries as they will help multiple senior undergraduate students pay for their education and allow them to devote more time to their studies and career paths,” says Dr. Derek Peddle, a ULethbridge professor of geography and environment and director of the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre (ATIC), with expertise in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis software development and applications.
Since its inception in 2009, TECTERRA has supported hundreds of emerging technology startups and subject matter experts with financial support, expertise and coaching — and helped diversify Canada’s economy in the process.
“Ensuring the industry is equipped with a workforce is part of our mission to grow the geospatial industry. We are excited that our contribution can help support this by giving students a little extra for their efforts. Our hope is that these students will end up leading the industry someday,” says Jonathan Neufeld, CEO of TECTERRA INC.
The bursaries will go to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in remote sensing, computer science with GIS or geography. Students intending to pursue a career in GIS, remote sensing, land surveying, software development, spatial modelling, mapping or cartography, and those with experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, will be given preference. The awards will be given to students based on the number of credit hours they’ve completed and financial need.