2024 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the B. Harper Bull Scholarship Awards! Learn more about these exceptional individuals below.

Biancka Pragash

Biancka Bella Pragash is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and equitable urban development, strongly focusing on addressing energy equity, sustainable cities, gender, and race disparities in leadership and policymaking.

She is currently pursuing a BA (Hons.) in Environment and Urban Sustainability with a minor in Politics at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Her professional experience includes work with Environmental Planning at the City of Brampton, the Centre for Urban Energy at TMU, and the Green Neighbours Network of Toronto.

Presently, she serves as a research assistant for the Urban Sanctuary, Migrant Solidarity, and Hospitality in Global Perspective partnership (Soli*City) at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Having a role in a city-wide effort to support ecological health while enhancing community greenspaces by balancing urban development with natural preservation has helped to deepen her appreciation for how thoughtful urban planning can sustain ecosystems and provide vibrant, accessible spaces for residents to enjoy.

Biancka is also the elected President of the Society of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (SASSH), having previously served as the Director of Environment and Urban Sustainability and as Chair of the SPROUT Case Competition.

As President, she represents over 5,200 Faculty of Arts students at TMU, overseeing all executive portfolios, including IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility), Events, Corporate Relations, Community Relations, and Finances. She supports eight executives and twelve directors while prioritizing transparency and accountability. Improving the student experience and preparing students for life after graduation are among her greatest passions.

Through her academic and professional journey, Biancka has become increasingly passionate about advocacy and policy, delving into topics like energy transitions, urban planning, and sustainable infrastructure. Her studies have fueled her dedication to promoting sustainable development and creating equitable, resilient cities, as well as a long-term aspiration to pursue urban planning and policy analysis.

Biancka has also witnessed firsthand how informed and supported communities are more likely to adopt practices that benefit both their local environment and the broader ecosystem, and the effectiveness of community-based approaches in fostering sustainability.

Wyatt Weatherson

Wyatt Weatherson is a PhD student in the Environmental Applied Science and Management program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, and completed his Master’s degree at TMU, focused on understanding chloride (road salt) pollution dynamics in urbanizing watersheds.

Wyatt is one of two recipients of the prestigious Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellowship in Canadian Freshwater Policy for 2024-25.

During his time at TMU, Wyatt has been involved in a number of projects, developing critical research skills in environmental policy and governance, supporting the Niagara Region in developing a pilot for a regional irrigation system, and engaging with farmers and Conservation Authorities across Ontario to understand the benefits of Nutrient Offsetting programs for mitigating phosphorus pollution in our watersheds.

Wyatt has additionally worked with a team to monitor wastewater from high-risk congregate settings (e.g., long-term care facilities, homeless shelters) in Toronto for COVID-19, and later to assess the effectiveness of wastewater surveillance for improving public health responses in these facilities.

Wyatt has presented at several national and international conferences (e.g., International Association of Great Lakes Research, Canadian Geophysical Union) and has published his research in high impact journals such as ES&T Water and the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

In addition to his studies, Wyatt serves as the President of the Urban Water Student Leadership Committee (UW SLC) at TMU, a student group responsible for organizing activities seeking to increase student engagement within the TMU Urban Water Research Centre.

On behalf of the UW SLC, Wyatt recently collaborated with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to plant over 100 new trees and shrubs across the TMU campus, and will be working again with TRCA and student volunteers in Spring 2025 to plant additional greenery at TMU.

Yazan Zamel

Yazan Zamel is a dedicated advocate for clean energy, energy efficiency, and equitable energy access, with a profound passion for technology, sustainability, and community service.

Yazan has extensive experience in the energy and environmental sectors, having worked as an Environmental Researcher at the Transportation and Air Quality Research Group, Market Forecast and Integration Intern at the Independent Electricity Systems Operator, Energy Efficiency Consultant at Posterity Group, and Sustainability Research Assistant at the Committee on Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS).

His work emphasizes improving energy efficiency in buildings, advancing renewable energy integration, and fostering sustainable energy solutions.

He is the President of the Sustainable Engineers Association, Founder and President of the Ambassadors of Tolerance Program, and Operational Director of the Green Student Association. He has engaged over 2,500 post-secondary students across the Greater Toronto Area by organizing international and regional sustainability conferences, career fairs, and educational programs aimed at inspiring youth to take climate action.

Through his Ray of Hope Initiative, launched in 2020, he has provided quality education to 4,300 refugees, assisted 250 individuals in finding employment, and continues to impact many more online. His efforts were recognized in July 2022 when he received the prestigious International Diana Award.

Furthermore, Yazan is an alumnus of the TRCA Newcomer Youth Green Economy Project, where he gained hands-on experience in sustainable building practices through his work on the Green Energy Building Project.

He is also a graduate of the Future Sustainability Leaders program, where he won first place in the AI Hackathon Competition and played an active role in youth-centered sustainability initiatives. Additionally, Yazan is an alumnus of the Student Leaders Programme organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Through his diverse experiences, he combines technical expertise with community involvement to drive energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, and develop equitable solutions for a more sustainable future.