SASKATOON / REGINA — The 2025-26 recipients of the Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Scholarship and the Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Indigenous Scholarship have been announced.
The Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Scholarship recipients are Thulani Hewavithana and Jessica Ollinik.
Thulani Hewavithana is pursuing a doctorate in philosophy (PhD) in computer science at the University of Saskatchewan, developing computational methods to analyze complex plant genomes and enhance crop resilience, yield and breeding efficiency. This work will help plant scientists develop better crop varieties.
Jessica Ollinik is pursuing a PhD in chemistry at the University of Regina, where her research focuses on developing a new tool to monitor insecticide and fungicide contamination in honeybee colonies. This work supports sustainable agriculture and pollinator conservation in Saskatchewan.
The 2025-26 Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Indigenous Scholarship recipients are Ethan Landry and Russell Fayant.
Ethan Landry is completing a PhD in geotechnical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, researching how geosynthetic stabilization can improve road durability and safety under harsh prairie conditions, particularly in rural and industrial areas. The research will also build understanding of how to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Russell Fayant is pursuing a PhD in education at the University of Regina, focusing on revitalizing the Michif language to strengthen Métis identity and support greater Indigenous participation in Saskatchewan's natural resource sector.
"I am incredibly honoured and immeasurably grateful to receive this award," Russell Fayant said. "It is an affirmation that my research, which is centered around Michif language reclamation, is valued and seen as helping to preserve a part of the fabric of this province. The scholarship will allow me to take time from work to focus on developing research that will hopefully assist others to revitalize other endangered languages in Saskatchewan."
Valued at $20,000 each, these scholarships support graduate and postgraduate students in Saskatchewan who are pursuing research and demonstrating leadership in their chosen fields. This year, each scholarship has been divided between two deserving recipients. Four students will receive $10,000 each.
"I congratulate the 2025 recipients and commend them for the level of excellence they have shown in earning this recognition," Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre said. "It is gratifying to know that these scholarships will help springboard four gifted students towards reaching their goals."
"These scholarships recognize the talent, commitment and leadership of Saskatchewan's graduate and post-graduate students," Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "By supporting their academic and research pursuits, we are investing in a brighter future for our province and empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders."
These scholarships are awarded annually to graduate or post-graduate students studying in Saskatchewan who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and whose research aligns with the goals of Saskatchewan's Growth Plan.
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