Students interested in graduate studies in Aging and Family Science or Applied Human Nutrition at MSVU, with a research focus related to long-term care, are eligible for a substantial scholarship, thanks to the support of Shannex.
As part of a partnership rooted in a commitment to leading the way to healthier futures for aging adults, a Shannex Graduate Scholarship in Aging and Nutrition was recently established at MSVU. The scholarship is available to MSVU students in thesis-based graduate degree programs in Aging and Family Science or Applied Human Nutrition whose research is focused in an area related to long-term care.
It’s an exceptionally valuable opportunity for students and the broader long-term care community alike. Through the scholarship, students can conduct research aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of those living in long-term care. Recipients also benefit from working along-side some of the country’s leading experts in aging and in nutrition.
Thanks to the generosity of Shannex, $20,000 will be awarded annually for five years and may be split between two full-time students each year. The first scholarships were awarded last year.
Meet the 2025 recipients
Sara Mafla, is a graduate student in the Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition program at MSVU. Sara worked in clinical and community nutrition supporting individuals of all ages for more than 10 years before continuing her studies at MSVU. Sara’s thesis project focuses on developing nutritious and tasty meals and evaluating them with long-term care residents, especially those who have difficulties identifying or distinguishing food items. “Receiving the Shannex Scholarship was a key factor in my decision to pursue graduate studies at MSVU,” said Sara. “Ensuring adequate nutritional intake is an important factor for the health and well-being of long-term care residents living with dementia. I am pleased that my research will have important benefits for residents and the long-term care sector.”
Hend Eldlk, is a fourth-year honours student in the Applied Human Nutrition and Dietetics program at MSVU. Hend is also pursuing a double minor in Chemistry and Biology. Her honours research project focuses on the impact of food on cognition. It includes developing innovative pureed food products for dementia patients who have difficulty swallowing, focusing on ingredients that are thought to improve brain health, and including adequate amounts of micro and macronutrients. Hend’s research also aims to decrease incidence of malnutrition among patients by creating more desirable and appetizing food products. Hend said, “I am grateful to Shannex for making this scholarship opportunity available to MSVU students. The scholarship is enabling me to pursue an area of research of great importance to those living and working in long-term care.”
Next steps for interested students
Students who are accepted into thesis-based graduate programs in either Aging and Family Science or Applied Human Nutrition at MSVU are eligible for the Shannex Graduate Scholarship in Aging and Nutrition. The deadline for applications into these programs is January 31 for Applied Human Nutrition and February 15 for Aging and Family Science. Interested students can arrange an online or in-person meeting with department faculty, the graduate coordinator or even have a personalized tour of MSVU facilities, including the NS Centre on Aging and MSVU Appetite Lab.
For more information on the scholarship or the academic programs, contact Department Chairs Janice.keefe@msvu.ca for Aging and Family Science or Kyly.Whitfield@msvu.ca for Applied Human Nutrition.