Fostering a New Voice in Scientific Communications 

Pakin Pongpaiboon’s Career Path Given Boost with Moore Family International Scholarship

February 24, 2023

As a high school student in Thailand, Pakin Pongpaiboon got the opportunity to work on educational tools to help educate and spread awareness about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy in rural areas. It was his first experience with the impact that scientific communications can have on making social change and bettering communities. 

Realizing his passion for the real-world applications of science and the importance of communicating important science-based information in accessible language and mediums, he sought a university program that would help guide his career path. 

“In the long term, I want to bring my scientific knowledge to social applications,” he says. “Education. Communication. Bringing important ideas to people in ways they can understand.” 

Which is what led to his interest in Trent. 

With the Forensic Science program an excellent opportunity to practice the application of scientific theory and knowledge, and no program of its kind available in Thailand, Pakin set his eyes on Trent University’s Peterborough campus. 

Cost, however, was a barrier. 

“With tuition rates and currency exchange rates, there’s obviously a large discrepancy to face,” Pakin explains. “Foreign universities become immeasurably more expensive compared to local institutions.” 

Which is where the Moore Family International Scholarship entered the picture. 

Established through a generous donation by long-time Trent supporters David and Joan Moore, this new scholarship offers a recurring scholarship of $12,000 annually, up to a maximum of $48,000 for three students from outside of North America.  It is awarded based on outstanding academic achievement, community service, leadership potential and financial need.   

“When you give these kinds of scholarships to international students, you give them access to educational opportunities that would not happen in other countries,” says Pakin. “The uniqueness of the Forensic program – the facilities, the crime scene house, are all incredible. And because of the size of the university, you get close connections with professors, staff and other students.” 

Glennice Burns, associate vice president, Trent International, recognizes the importance of this financial assistance. 

“The Moore Family Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for international students who otherwise would not have the financial means to study abroad in Canada,” she says. “Not only does this open the door for young minds to make momentous change in the world, but offers other students, and the Trent community, diverse perspectives in which to view both global cultures and issues.” 

For students such as Pakin, it can help shape a career and even a life. 
 
“I would like to thank the Moores for this opportunity,” he says. “I could not do this without them.”