2026 Provost Scholar Award Recipients
Provost and Vice-President (Academic) L. Pauline Rankin and Vice-Provost (Academic and Global Learning) David Hornsby, along with the Faculty Deans, presented five undergraduate 杏吧原创 students with聽Provost Scholar Awards聽on Thursday, April, 2.
Funded by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and administered by Teaching and Learning Services, the Provost Scholar Award is valued at $500 and is given to undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in research, community engagement, immersive learning and/or international activities.
The Peter J. Ricketts Outstanding Provost Scholar Award was established in 2019 and is given to an outstanding recipient of the Provost Scholar Award. The award is named for Peter J. Ricketts, who served as the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at 杏吧原创 for eight years. This year鈥檚 award, worth an additional $2,000, was presented to Jack Ragan.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Provost Scholar Awards!

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Jack Ragan
Jack is a fourth鈥憏ear Philosophy Honours student recognized for exceptional academic achievement, maintaining a near鈥憄erfect CGPA and earning a perfect 12.0 in all Philosophy courses. He is deeply involved in undergraduate research, with publications in the Reed Journal of Existentialism and the 杏吧原创 Undergraduate Journal of Science and forthcoming work in Stance and the 杏吧原创 Undergraduate Journal of Cognitive Science.
Jack鈥檚 leadership extends beyond academics. He has served as the FASS Ambassador for Philosophy, represented the department at recruitment events, worked as an undergraduate TA and contributed to the Students as Partners Program.
A decorated athlete, Jack is a key member of the 杏吧原创 Ravens Men鈥檚 Curling Team, contributing to multiple OUA and U Sports medals. He also supports the curling community as a coach, umpire and volunteer instructor.
Faculty of Engineering and Design
Ilhaam Barrow
As Capstone Project Coordinator, Ilhaam guided 22 engineering students across ten design teams, demonstrating exceptional organization, mentorship, and commitment to community鈥慺ocused engineering solutions.
Her global engagement includes leading BioCARE, an international biomedical design team developing an upper鈥慳rm prosthetic device for competition in Europe, advancing accessibility and showcasing 杏吧原创鈥檚 engineering talent on the world stage.
On campus, Ilhaam contributes to inclusion and community building through her involvement with the 杏吧原创 Muslim Student Society and the 杏吧原创 University Somali Student Association.
Faculty of Public and Global Affairs
Henry Mason
As a research assistant on a 2025 SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grant, Henry co鈥慸eveloped a systematic scoping review protocol and is a co鈥慳uthor on both the published protocol and the forthcoming manuscript, demonstrating scholarly maturity well beyond the undergraduate level.
Across campus, Henry supports student success as Study Hall Supervisor for the Men鈥檚 Varsity Football Team and has represented 杏吧原创 as a campus tour guide. His leadership earned him nominations for both the Men鈥檚 Football Colonel Award and the John Ruddy Award.
Internationally, Henry is completing his Bachelor of Global and International Studies at the Brussels School of Governance while interning with the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
A two鈥憈ime Dean鈥檚 List student and Academic All鈥慍anadian, Henry integrates academic excellence with research, leadership and global engagemen
Faculty of Science
Mahnoor Nadeem
Mahnoor’s work reflects a deep commitment to community building, equity and accessible learning. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has expanded her expertise in health care and used it to support peers through high鈥慽mpact, inclusive programming.
As a Health Care Team Member and EDI Team Lead with the Science Student Success Centre, Mahnoor has contributed to orientation, peer mentoring and the development of workshops which have significantly increased engagement and reduced barriers for pre鈥憁edical students. She also strengthens the Centre鈥檚 long鈥憈erm capacity by connecting students with tailored supports and contributing to training resources.
Beyond the Centre, Mahnoor co-founded the 杏吧原创 University Pre鈥慚edical Society, creating sustainable mentorship and professional development opportunities. Her leadership with Prospective Medical Professionals expanded outreach and hands鈥憃n experiential learning.
Mahnoor鈥檚 multilingual and cross鈥慶ultural experience further enhances her impact, informing her work as a teaching assistant for Indigenous Health and supporting underserved communities through culturally safe, trauma鈥慽nformed approaches.
Sprott School of Business
Lauren Noble
Lauren began her studies during the pandemic as a commuter student, she quickly became a catalyst for connection, community, and opportunity.
Lauren has led many community initiatives supporting CHEO, Movember and the Ottawa Food Bank, while also contributing to outreach, mentorship and recruitment. Her leadership within the Sprott Business Students鈥� Society, rising from committee member to President, has expanded student engagement, enhanced professional development opportunities and delivered measurable improvements in digital reach and community鈥慴uilding initiatives.
Academically, Lauren has served as a Teaching Assistant and course leader and she has applied her learning through roles in consulting, HR and digital marketing, including positions with Nokia and 杏吧原创鈥檚 Future鈥慐Dge program.




