October 13th, 2026 | 2-minute read

Laurentian Earth Sciences Student Shares Impact of Donor Support and Marsh A. Cooper Award

For Inelia Garand, an undergraduate student at Laurentian University’s Harquail School of Earth Sciences, receiving the Marsh A. Cooper Award was more than just a financial boost, it was a powerful validation of her future in geology.

October 13, 2026— For Inelia Garand, an undergraduate student at Laurentian University’s Harquail School of Earth Sciences, receiving the Marsh A. Cooper Award was more than just a financial boost, it was a powerful validation of her future in geology.

Drawn to Laurentian from her hometown of Kirkland lake, Ontario, by its intimate class sizes, Sudbury’s unique geological history, and direct ties to the Ontario Geological Survey and local mining industries, Garand has made the most of her academic journey. Her time at Laurentian has already been marked by hands-on experiences like Field School I and active involvement in the university’s Earth Science Club.

When Garand learned she was selected for the Marsh A. Cooper Award as a second-year student, the news brought both astonishment and profound gratitude.

“I felt very proud of myself for receiving a formal grant so early in my academic journey,” said Garand. “I immediately called my loved ones to share the good news and celebrate.”

The financial assistance allowed Garand to apply the funds directly toward her tuition balance, freeing up earnings to invest in essential fieldwork tools, including a rock hammer, hand lens, scratch tools, and markers, as well as durable outdoor wear like raincoats and hiking boots required for field exploration. Beyond the practical benefits, Garand emphasises the psychological uplift the donor-funded award provided.

“This grant has benefited me financially and mentally, reminding me that I have purpose in this field when circumstances make me feel inadequate,” Garand shared. “To the donors and supporters who made this opportunity possible: words cannot describe how grateful and honored I am. This grant alone fuels much of my motivation to excel in geology and make a positive impact on the community.”

The Marsh A. Cooper Award in Earth Sciences is awarded to a full-time student entering the 2nd year of Earth Sciences program. Good academic standing, financial need, and an application for in-course awards are required. Selection is made on the recommendation of the Department of Earth Sciences.

The application window for scholarships, bursaries, and awards opens on October 1 and closes on October 31. Students can also look out for Apply-A-Thon pop-up sessions hosted across campus throughout the month of October for hands-on assistance with their applications.

To learn more about available awards and application steps, visit Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards or contact the Student Awards and Fees office at financialaid@laurentian.ca.