#FacesOfTrentU: Philanthropy in Action

Emilee Storfie, Second-year M.Sc. Environmental & Life Sciences student

"While completing my undergraduate degree at Trent in the Forensic Science program, I started volunteering in Dr. Barry Saville’s lab... That’s when I fell in love with research.”

Emilee Storfie’s optimistic career path is supported by her success as a Forensic Science Trent undergrad, and strengthened by her pursuit of a Master's degree in Trent’s Environmental and Life Sciences graduate program.

Showing promise to become a future Green Leader during her undergrad by the BMO Financial Group Scholarship, Emilee has also received an Ontario Graduate Scholarship, NSERC CGS-M and EnLS Scholarships during her master’s degree. Emilee’s research has her taking particular interest in a fungal hybrid that has the potential to target corn and cause disease. Driven by a focus to protect agriculturally and economically important crops, Emilee is observing the fungal hybrid on a molecular level, taking notice as to how it has altered from its parents. From Emilee’s dedicated research, she can apply her knowledge of this fungal hybrid to others, enhancing crop sustainability.

Once Emilee has completed her graduate studies, Emilee is eager to complete a PhD in agriculture related research, studying other pathogens that cause disease in crops. Hailing from Southern Alberta, Emilee is well-versed in the significance of food sustainability—not just for consumption and economic trade on a national level, but to local farmers as well. It is in this reflection of her heritage that she’s become more interested in food sustainability in the recent years.

Emilee’s gratitude for her education and chance to learn in a hands-on environment have spread new roots to bud endless opportunities thanks to the BMO Financial Group, and all the support she has received while studying at Trent.

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