Michaela (Micki) Hargitai, a 4th Year Co-op Population Health student at the Department of Health and Society has been awarded the prestigious John H. Moss Scholarship for 2024.
“I am profoundly honoured to receive this prestigious scholarship, highlighting my dedication and perseverance,” said Michaela. “This recognition further fuels my passion for learning and desire to contribute meaningfully. I am grateful for the support that has led to this achievement and eager to continue making a distinctive impact.”
The John H. Moss Scholarship, part of the distinguished Awards of Excellence program, is awarded to outstanding undergraduate student leaders in Arts and Science at the University of Toronto (St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough campuses), who are intending to pursue a second degree or studies at the graduate level. The award recognizes academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement.
Michaela was a University of Toronto President-endorsed Finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship and in addition to her academic achievements has contributed to the campus in numerous roles as a leader and peer educator. She intends to pursue a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology.
Michaela has been a Research Assistant at both the RELEARN Lab at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Physical Therapy and the Nephrology Research Division at St. Michael's and St. Joseph's Hospital. In her volunteer work with DramaWay, she uses drama techniques to foster life skills, self-awareness for people with special needs.
Michaela thanks Dr. Nicholas Spence, whose efforts have been instrumental in supporting her successful academic and research journey, and Sean Lyeo, who as her Post Master’s research supervisor provided fantastic guidance during her directed research studies. Michaela also thanks Dr. Élyse Caron-Beaudoin, Dr. Hilary Brown, Dr. Andrea Duncan and Dr. Suzanne Sicchia who were key in encouraging and reinforcing her academic interest in health studies, as well as Rebekkah Nighswander and Punita Lumb for assistance in her development in continuously evolving campus leadership roles. She also expresses gratitude for the support she received from Dr. Karen McCrindle and Dr. Jamie Donaldson during the application process.
Prof. Suzanne Sicchia said: “Michaela is an exceptional young scholar with a bright future ahead of her, one of UTSC’s finest. We’re delighted to see her efforts recognized!”