Flight 302 Legacy Award
On March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed near Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, claiming the lives of all 157 people aboard. Victims represented 35 nationalities, including 18 Canadian citizens, as well as permanent residents and others with ties to Canada. The flight was en route to Nairobi, where many of the passengers were scheduled to take part in the United Nations environmental conference. The Flight 302 Legacy Award will contribute to supporting students whose areas of study help commemorate the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy.
2023 award recipients
March 10, 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy. To honour the 18 Canadian victims, 42 students have been chosen to carry forward their legacy and interests. Universities Canada is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients under the Flight 302 Legacy Award. The award, in the form of a scholarship of $10,000, will support these domestic and international, undergraduate and graduate students, studying at 18 Canadian institutions.
Funded by Transport Canada’s Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy and administered by Universities Canada over five years, the Flight 302 Legacy Award honours the memory of the victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in a visible and meaningful way by supporting students enrolled in programs aligned with the interests and passions of the victims for environmental and humanitarian causes.
Click the biographies below to learn more about some of the 2023 recipients.
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Jacob ColatostiUniversity of Trinity College
International relations, public policy and anthropology
Jacob Colatosti
University of Trinity College
International relations, public policy and anthropology
Jacob Colatosti, a second-year student at the University of Trinity College, University of Toronto, is pursuing studies in international relations, public policy and anthropology, echoing the passions of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 victims. Committed to global perspectives, community development and environmental sustainability, Jacob’s diverse academic journey aligns with their interests and ideals.
Through various programs, Jacob has led impactful projects in social development, such as enhancing public transportation accessibility in Toronto and designing filtration equipment for Palia Kalan village. The award’s support will empower Jacob to expand his contributions as a UNICEF Canada ambassador and director of outreach for MealCare Toronto.
Jacob is dedicated to using his studies to create positive change, honoring the memories of Flight 302 victims and striving for a future reflecting their cherished values
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Helena DebusSimon Fraser University
Resource and environmental management
Helena Debus
Simon Fraser University
Resource and environmental management
Helena Debus, a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in resource and environmental management (REM) and a certificate in sustainable development, is committed to honoring the legacy of Angela Rehhorn through her academic journey. Inspired by the values of ocean conservation and sustainability, Helena aims to continue her education with a master’s degree in resource and environmental management at Simon Fraser University’s Ocean Equity Lab. The Flight 302 Legacy Award will enable her to focus on her academic pursuits while honoring the memory of the victims. Motivated by the victims’ dedication to global change, Helena aspires to work with the United Nations on environmental and humanitarian initiatives, believing in the possibility of building a sustainable future for all. This scholarship empowers her to contribute meaningfully to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
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Zakaria KaalUniversity of Alberta
Bioresource technology
Zakaria Kaal
University of Alberta
Bioresource technology
Zakaria Kaal, a second-year master’s student at the University of Alberta, is dedicated to revolutionizing aviation fuel. His research focuses on creating sustainable aviation fuel from waste materials, offering a cleaner and renewable alternative to current jet fuels. Recognized with the Flight 302 Legacy Award, Zak’s work not only reduces carbon emissions from air travel but also honors the victims of Flight 302, who were passionate about sustainability. By bridging environmental conservation and aviation, Zak’s research continues their legacy, providing Canada with a locally-sourced solution for a greener future in air travel.
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Chikezirim NwokeCarleton University
Anthropology
Chikezirim Nwoke
Carleton University
Anthropology
Chikezirim Nwoke, a PhD candidate at Carleton University, is dedicated to understanding the challenges faced by youth in rapidly urbanizing postcolonial contexts. Inspired by the tragic loss of lives on Ethiopian Flight 302, including Canadians Pius Adesanmi and Stephanie Lacroix, Chike’s work aims to continue their legacy of empowering African communities. His research focuses on education, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive cities and policy design for African youth and young immigrants in Canada. This award enables Chike to advance knowledge and initiate programs that address pressing issues in these communities.
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Grace WallsSt. Francis Xavier University & Memorial University
Marine biology
Grace Walls
St. Francis Xavier University & Memorial University
Marine biology
Grace Walls, a fourth-year PhD student in the joint program at St. Francis Xavier University and Memorial University of Newfoundland, is delving into lobster foraging ecology. She’s developed Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) tripods for observing lobster behavior, offering insights crucial for both industry and academia. By engaging with harvesters and disseminating findings through “fishermen updates,” Grace aims to enhance baiting practices and foster sustainability in the lobster industry. In memory of Flight 302 victims like Joanna Toole and Sarah Auffret, Grace is committed to steering the industry towards a sustainable future. The award will enable her to expand her outreach efforts and drive meaningful change in marine resource conservation. Grace’s dedication to bridging industry, research and regulation underscores her commitment to ocean conservation.
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Julia WederUniversity of Victoria
Environmental studies
Julia Weder
University of Victoria
Environmental studies
Julia Weder, a master’s student in environmental studies at the University of Victoria, is dedicated to decolonization on Haida Gwaii. As a settler in Haida territory, she channels her upbringing and community values into her thesis, exploring non-Indigenous roles in the decolonization process. With a background in youth programming and social justice advocacy, Julia is deeply engaged in her community. Recognized with a scholarship, she aims to honor the legacies of individuals like Micah, the Pauls family, Pius, Danielle, Stéphanie, and others by centering Indigenous knowledge, creating art for collective joy, advocating for liberation and supporting youth wellness. This scholarship empowers Julia to pursue meaningful aspects of her thesis and continue her commitment to positive change.
All 2023 award recipients*
- Abdul-Latif Alhassan, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, doctorate in transdisciplinary sustainability
- Olayinka Ariba, Western University, doctorate in health and rehabilitation sciences – health promotion
- Wisdom Avor, Western University, doctorate in nursing
- Sophie Bekkers, Acadia University, master’s in biology
- Maissae Belamhawal, Concordia University, bachelor’s in aerospace engineering
- Augustine Botwe, University of Alberta, doctorate in measurements, evaluation and data
- Chloe Budd, Dalhousie University, master’s in social work
- Santiago Xavier Buitrón Garrido, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, master’s in environmental sciences
- Jacob Colatosti, University of Toronto, bachelor’s in international relations, public policy and anthropology
- Yulissa Campos, Yorkville University, master’s in counselling psychology
- Xin Chen, Simon Fraser University, master’s in clinical psychology
- Suha Damag, University of Lethbridge, doctorate in population health
- Helena Debus, Simon Fraser University, bachelor’s in resource and environmental management with a certificate in sustainable development
- Jah-Amaka Enwedo, University of Alberta, doctorate in special education
- Alyna De Guzman, Simon Fraser University, bachelor’s in resource and environmental management
- Daniel Ho, University of Waterloo, bachelor’s in environmental studies
- Alain Humura, University of Alberta, bachelor’s in history and economics
- Zakaria Kaal, University of Alberta, master’s in bioresource technology
- Lestyn Virgil Lobo, Mount Allison University, bachelor’s in aviation
- Taya Lucas-Desmond, Acadia University, bachelor’s in environmental science
- Md Moniruzzaman, University of Manitoba, doctorate in microbiology
- Antoine Morel, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, doctorate in environment, marine biology
- Adanna Nduagu, Simon Fraser University, bachelor’s in political science
- Giti Nouri, Concordia University, doctorate in building engineering
- Chikezirim Nwoke, Carleton University, doctorate in anthropology
- Samuel Teye Ofoe, Simon Fraser University, master’s in environmental studies
- Timilehin Oguntuyaki, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, doctorate in environmental science
- Ugochukwu Emmanuel Okoye, Carleton University, doctorate in anthropology (political economy)
- Aiden Parkins, University of Waterloo, bachelor’s in aviation
- Laura Peña, University of Toronto, master’s in social work – Indigenous trauma and resiliency
- Natasha Pennell, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, doctorate in transdisciplinary sustainability
- Simran Sarai, Simon Fraser University, bachelor’s in resource and environmental management
- Nikolas Sertic, University of British Columbia, bachelor’s in integrated sciences
- Olivia Simms, Thompson Rivers University, bachelor’s in economics
- Lauren Smith, Simon Fraser University, master’s in resource and environmental management (planning)
- Tobi Souza, University of Calgary, bachelor’s in health sciences in health and society
- Matthew Syvenky, Simon Fraser University, bachelor’s in resource and environmental management
- Charlotte Thorley, University of Waterloo, bachelor’s in geography and aviation
- Grace Walls, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, doctorate in marine biology
- Julia Weder, University of Victoria, master’s in environmental studies
*There are 42 award recipients but 40 listed. Two individuals requested anonymity.
Canadian passengers on Flight 302
Click the biographies below to learn more about some of the Canadian passengers who were on Ethiopian Flight 302.
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Pius Adebola AdesanmiAn outstanding and highly decorated scholar and in great demand as a distinguished public intellectual, speaker, columnist, satirist and writer.
Pius Adebola Adesanmi
Areas of interest: post-neoliberal African subjecthood and institutions, gender inclusion and culture.
Pius Adeola Adesanmi was a global citizen with unflinching devotion to higher education, particularly in Africa. He was a professor of English, comparative and African literatures and director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada until his death in the Ethiopian Airlines 302 crash on March 10, 2019.
He was an outstanding and highly decorated scholar and in great demand as a distinguished public intellectual, speaker, columnist, satirist and writer.
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Darcy Michael BelangerA founding member and director of strategic initiatives, Darcy dedicated his life to getting MAPS, a marine Arctic peace sanctuary with the Parvati Foundation, completed.
Darcy Michael Belanger
Areas of interest: environmental and wildlife protection and conservation.
Darcy Michael Belanger was admired for his courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities. He was passionately devoted to the protection of all life through the realization of the marine Arctic peace sanctuary (MAPS). Belanger was travelling to the UN environment assembly to spread awareness about this very important initiative.
Belanger’s unwavering dedication shows one person really can make a difference if they are committed to making meaningful change in the world.
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Stéphanie LacroixStéphanie had a remarkable impact on those she served and she continues to inspire her friends, family and colleagues each and every day.
Stéphanie Lacroix
Areas of interest: educational and economic empowerment of youth and women, mental health in the workplace.
Stéphanie was a franco-Ontarian from Timmins, Ontario. She was a warm, smart, kind, curious, highly motivated professional who brought a special energy to her work. Her passion for international development and creating a better world shined through her actions both personally and professionally. Stéphanie had a remarkable impact on those she served and she continues to inspire her friends, family and colleagues each and every day.
In 2015, Stéphanie graduated with a bachelor of social science in international development and globalization from the University of Ottawa. She worked in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi on educational and economic empowerment of youth and women as well as mental health in the workplace.
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Micah MessentMicah connected with friends and coworkers in a way that was inclusive and inspiring. He was concerned for nature and oceans but had optimism for creative solutions.
Micah Messent
Areas of interest: Indigenous education, environmental conservation and parks, ocean and water stewardship.
Micah was born and raised in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, B.C. and had Métis heritage.
He was concerned for the health of nature and the oceans but had optimism for creative solutions. He completed his degree in Indigenous studies and continued to work towards his belief that incorporating indigenous viewpoints and traditional knowledge are extremely valuable.
Micah connected with friends and coworkers in a way that was inclusive and inspiring. He was a self-taught musician and played ukulele, guitar and banjo.
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Danielle MooreDanielle was a courageous leader, and environmental activist always keen to carry the hard work of sustainability forward.
Danielle Moore
Areas of interest: protecting marine life, teaching youth, community building, improving food security, making music, painting and learning new skills.
Danielle Moore lived her life full of hope and believed in creating great change for a more just and environmentally sustainable planet. In her 24 years, she touched the lives of countless people across Canada and around the world.
Danielle studied marine biology and volunteered and worked tirelessly, advocating for the protection of marine life and habitats. She taught taught kids in underserved communities how to code and tackling social justice issues. She was a courageous leader, and environmental activist always keen to carry the hard work of sustainability forward.
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The Pauls FamilyCaroline aspired to help young girls in Kenya pursue education. Kelli’s singing lit up the room. Rubi brought a lot of joy to the family. Ryan exuded a contagious “joie de vivre”.
The Pauls Family
The Pauls were a vibrant and loving family. Travelling to visit relatives, Caroline Quinns Nduta Pauls was accompanied by her nine-month-old daughter, Rubi; her four-year-old daughter, Kelli; and her six-year-old son, Ryan.
Caroline Quinns Nduta Pauls
Caroline was a loving mother and wife. She was academically gifted and pursued a career in finance and accounting. She aspired to help young girls in her native country, Kenya, pursue higher education.
Interests: accounting, finance and traveling.
Kelli Wanjiku Pauls
Kelli was four years old. She was an effervescent girl whose smile was priceless. She lived singing and playing on the swings. She shared a great love for family.
Interests: singing and dancing.
Rubi Wangui Pauls
Rubi was nine months old. She was a bubbly baby girl who brought a lot of joy to the family. She liked the sound of music. She was a princess.
Interests: music.
Ryan Njoroge Njuguna Pauls
Ryan was six years old. He was an academically gifted boy who loved playing soccer and athletics. Ryan exuded a contagious “joie de vivre”.
Interests: learning, especially about the galaxy and computers.
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Angela RehhornAngela aspired to live an eco-conscience life, spend lots of time outdoors and provide service to her communities and inspire others.
Angela Rehhorn
Areas of interest: ocean lover, tree climber, animal advocate, athlete, nurtured by nature.
Angela Rehhorn was a graduate from Dalhousie University and had a degree in marine biology. Dedicated to conservation, Angela was travelling to Kenya with the United Nations Association of Canada.
She aspired to live an eco-conscience life, spend lots of time outdoors and provide service to her communities and inspire others. She worked hard to inspire others and she strove to live life to the fullest: “I am on a quest to learn and experience as much as I possibly can within my lifetime.”
