(May 29, 2025) - For Sudbury (ON) born Avery Morin, Laurentian University has been more than just a place of learning — it’s been a launchpad for leadership, discovery, and lifelong connection.
Graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience, Morin has become one of the most recognizable and respected student leaders on campus. Known for her energy, authenticity, and unshakable drive, she’s made a lasting impact on Laurentian through years of student advocacy, environmental action, and academic achievement.
Throughout her undergraduate journey, Morin held several prominent leadership roles, including Vice President of Education (2021–2022) and President & CEO (2022–2023) of the Students’ General Association. In these positions, she represented more than 5,000 students — working tirelessly to amplify their voices and enrich an engaging and supportive student experience.
Beyond these roles, Morin has been a student member on Laurentian’s Board of Governors as well as University Senate. Her advocacy extended to provincial and national levels through her involvement with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. “Being able to directly influence decision-makers about topics such as the importance of affordable, accessible education was an incredible opportunity,” she reflects.
Her passion for environmental action also took center stage. As Chair of Laurentian’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (2023-present), Morin helped drive campus-wide initiatives and champion sustainability as a core value of university life. That work led her to international stages, where she represented Laurentian at Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 on Biodiversity and COP28 on Climate Change — United Nations events focused on the future of our planet.
“To speak about Sudbury’s regreening efforts and the amazing sustainability work happening at Laurentian on a global platform was incredibly humbling,” she says. “It reminded me how local action can have international relevance.” For Morin, this work has been a collaborative effort. Mentors, who she also considers colleagues and friends, such as Dr. John Gunn (Director of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre), Anastacia Chartrand and Adam Lepage, are some of the many people she credits for having “ignited my spark for environmental sustainability advocacy.”
“I am most inspired by the tight-knit community of the Laurentian community,” she elaborates. “To know that there are so many people who want me to succeed has motivated me to do my best in both my studies and extracurricular activities.”
When it comes to her studies, Morin had the opportunity to conduct original research as part of her honours thesis, under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Jeffrey Gagnon and Assistant Professor Dr. Blake Dotta, School of Natural Sciences faculty members Avery describes as “amazing scientists and wonderful mentors.” For Morin, the interdisciplinary lens of her program was invaluable. “From biochemistry to psychology to physiology, the Behavioural Neuroscience program prepared me for a wide variety of career options.”
Next for Morin is the pursuit of her Master’s degree in Science Communication; a path that blends her love for science, storytelling, and public engagement. She also plans to continue making a positive impact with Laurentian’s Environmental Sustainability Committee.
To future students, her advice is simple but powerful: “Get involved. The experiences I have had at Laurentian have truly changed my life and I have become a more confident, ambitious and connected young professional.”
As she prepares to celebrate her achievements at convocation, we know that Avery Morin’s contributions to student life are far from over and that she will continue to be a driving force for positive change on campus. Her journey so far reflects the kind of leadership that evolves with experience — and her impact is only just beginning.