Class of 2009 - The reward for hard work
As the recent recipient of a Bachelor of Science Honours in physiology from the College of Arts and Science, Brittany Cazakoff understands what it means to work hard. She was surprised but pleased when her dedication was rewarded with the Governor General’s Silver Medal Award, an honour given at convocation to the top undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan.
Brittany Cazakoff
Despite the individual nature of the award, Cazakoff is quick to share the credit with her professors and classmates. “The people I’ve met and grown up with have all influenced me in some way, whether it’s their work ethic or their passion,” she said. “I definitely wouldn’t be going to grad school without the opportunities my supervisor gave me.”
Her honours thesis supervisor, John Howland, said Cazakoff’s success is a combination of two factors. “The main thing is that she is obviously very smart and capable. She’s very good at solving problems. The other side is that she works very hard.”
Cazakoff is continuing research work with Howland over the summer and will begin her master’s degree in the fall with funding she received from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council.
Cazakoff’s honours thesis studied the effect of acute stress on memories. Although she is undecided where her future focus may lie, she is looking forward to the opportunity to do more research. “I’m really open to what could happen. Right now, I’m just excited by research and the impact it could have on society.”
Originally from Shaunavon, Sask., Brittany came to the University of Saskatchewan in 2004. “It was the only choice I ever thought of. My parents both went here and the U of S had the opportunity I needed.”
Cazakoff was also drawn to the sense of community in Saskatoon. She got involved in volunteer work both on and off campus, including Physical Activity for Active Living (PAAL), a program through the College of Kinesiology that pairs volunteers with children and teens with disabilities in physical activity. She also did in-school mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She said volunteering helped her better organize her time: “You feel like you almost get more benefit than those you are helping. It’s definitely rewarding.”
For the future, Cazakoff is considering many options, including teaching and completing a PhD. For now, she is happy with the path she is on. “If you get into something you’re interested in, you’re willing to do the work. You end up somewhere you like.”