MICHELLE KORODIMAS
CSEG SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
MICHELLE.KORODIMAS@STRATHCONARESOURCES.COM
GLENN SATHER
CSEG SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
MATTHEW WHITE
CSEG SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
The Scholarship Committee is delighted to report another successful year and would like to extend its gratitude to all the generous donors who supported the CSEG scholarships in 2025.
Corporate Donors |
Individual Donors |
|
| Alvopetro Energy Ltd. | Nanna Eliuk | |
| Aspenleaf Energy | Dennis Ellison | |
| Athabasca Oil Corporation | Darren Hinks | |
| Conoco Phillips | Neil Orr (Orr Foundation Scholarship) | |
| Earth Signal Processing Ltd. | Brian Russell | |
| Eavor | ||
| Key Seismic |
Doodlespiel Champion Donors |
|
| Marksmen Energy Inc. | Sterling Hansen | |
| NuVista Energy Ltd. | Matt Ng | |
| Pacific Canbriam Energy | Daniel Perez | |
| Paramount Resources Ltd. | Igor Senek | |
| Peer Solutions Inc. | Doodlespiel Committee | |
| Pulse Seismic | ||
| Synterra Technologies Ltd. | ||
| Tourmaline Oil |
Thanks to the generosity of the donors, the CSEGF was able to award two Post-Secondary Entrance Scholarships and thirteen University Scholarships this year!
The CSEG Scholarship Committee operates under the CSEG Foundation and is powered by dedicated volunteers who manage the application process, including soliciting and assessing submissions. Funding for the scholarships comes from individual and corporate donations, as well as interest generated from memorial trust funds.
For over 50 years, the CSEG has been committed to supporting the next generation. Two Post-Secondary Entrance Scholarships were awarded to children of active CSEG members graduating from high school and entering a post-secondary institution, regardless of their field of study. The University Scholarships are open to student members across Canada pursuing a BSc, MSc, or PhD in Geophysics. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement.
To date, the CSEG has awarded nearly $1.5 million in scholarships, with Entrance Scholarships valued at $500 each and University Scholarships valued at $2,500 each. Beyond financial assistance, these scholarships foster connections between students and industry professionals, advancing innovation and research in the field.
This year, we were pleased to award the Orr Foundation Scholarship, valued at $3,500, which recognizes students with top academic performance, and who have already demonstrated an active role in the CSEG community. This year’s winners are Sally Palmers and Anton Ziegon. Their bios can be found below. Thank you to the Orr family for your generous donation and ongoing support.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Post-Secondary Entrance Scholarship Recipients
- Sierra Rose
- Delaney Schweigert
University Scholarship Recipients
Abhishek Singh Chauhan, PhD Geophysics, Université du Québec à Montréal
Abhishek Singh Chauhan is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at Université du Québec à Montréal. His research focuses on modeling distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data, denoising, velocity modeling and full waveform inversion (FWI), with emphasis on deep learning generative models and application in real time monitoring. He holds a BSc Physics (Hons.) from the University of Delhi (India) and an MSc Applied Geophysics from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India). His current work aims to build generalized deep learning models for seismic velocity prediction and unsupervised DAS data denoising, under the supervision of Prof. Nasser Kazemi. His broader research is to develop methods to incorporate DAS constraints into FWI, and the application of DAS in real time monitoring of mines, carbon storage sites, etc.
Vahid EntezarSaadat, PhD Geophysics, Memorial University
Vahid is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL, under the supervision of Dr. Alison Malcolm and Dr. Colin Farquharson. His doctoral research is developing a Bayesian joint inversion framework that integrates seismic full-waveform inversion with controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) inversion to improve monitoring of carbon sequestration, reservoir characterization, and uncertainty quantification. He holds an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Tehran. He has seven years of experience in the oil and gas industry and a recent internship with Equinor in St. John’s, where he supported reservoir modeling for the Bay du Nord project. Vahid has received multiple academic and professional recognitions, including being a two-time recipient of the Chevron Rising Star Award. He contributes through volunteer leadership, including serving as a committee supervisor for the St. John’s 2025 Canada Games and involvement with the MUN SEG student chapter.
Yan Rahmawan, PhD Geophysics, University of Victoria
Yan is a second-year PhD candidate in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria. His research involves processing and analyzing global navigation satellite system (GNSS) velocity data for incorporation into large-scale tectonic models. He focuses on two accretionary belts at opposite evolutionary stages: Indonesia, where accretion is beginning due to Australia-Eurasia convergence, and Western Canada, where it has been ongoing since the Mesozoic. Yan is also involved in projects that monitor surface deformation related to carbon capture, utilization, and storage using integrated GNSS and InSAR analysis.
Zahra Sadeghi, PhD Geophysics, Université du Québec à Montréal
Zahra Sadeghi is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at Université du Québec à Montréal. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in applied physics from Bahonar University (Iran) and a Master’s degree in seismic exploration from the Graduate University of Advanced Technology (Iran). Her research focuses on seismic data reconstruction and imaging, with emphasis on deep learning generative models and inverse problems. Her current work aims to improve interpolation algorithms using modern machine learning approaches, supervised by Prof. Nasser Kazemi and Prof. Fiona Darbyshire. Her broader research interests include full-waveform inversion and environmental seismic applications such as carbon storage monitoring.
Anton Ziegon, PhD Geophysics, University of Calgary (Orr Foundation Scholarship)
Anton is currently pursuing a PhD in Geophysics at the University of Calgary, where he researches applications of seismic full waveform inversion for the monitoring of geologic carbon sequestration alongside novel approaches to solve geophysical optimization problems. He graduated with a BSc Geophysics from LMU and TU in Munich, and he received an MSc with Honors in Applied Geophysics from the IDEA League Joint Master’s program, a collaboration between TU Delft, ETH Zürich, and RWTH Aachen. His passion for exploration geophysics is reflected in his experience working as a teaching and research assistant at several universities, and as a research intern at Aramco’s geophysical research centre. He is currently engaged in the committee of the CSEG geophysics industry field trip (GIFT) and with the Graduate Association of Geology and Geophysics Students at the University of Calgary.
Chigozie Ikechuwu, MSc Geophysics, University of Calgary
Chigozie C. Ikechukwu is a highly motivated MSc student in Geoscience at the University of Calgary. His research focuses on the innovative integration of magnetic, gravity, and magnetotelluric geophysical datasets to co-assess geothermal energy potential and lithium brine resources within the province of Alberta. This work aims to create a high-resolution 3D model for identifying strategic dual-resource targets, contributing to both sustainable energy and critical mineral exploration. Chigozie holds a Bachelor of Technology in Geology (Geophysics) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria. He further holds a First-Class Honours MSc in Future Energies (Geothermal Specialization) from the Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS) at FUTO, Nigeria.
Taryn Neligan, MSc Geoscience, University of Victoria
Taryn is an MSc student studying geomorphology and active tectonics at the University of Victoria. Her research, supervised by Dr. Edwin Nissen and Dr. Sophie Norris, focuses on active faulting in the northern Cascadia forearc, building on previous work which involved fault mapping in northern Cascadia using remote sensing techniques. Living in southwest British Columbia, Taryn is passionate about geohazards and earthquake research, as well as outreach and increasing public awareness about seismic risks. She hopes her work will contribute to a better understanding of the hazards posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone and aid in efforts to increase public safety and preparedness. Outside of academia, Taryn enjoys exploring the West Coast through hiking, camping, and kayaking, and is a competitive highland dancer.
Chisom Okwaraojimadu, MSc Geophysics, University of Calgary
Chisom is a graduate student in Geoscience at the University of Calgary, with research interests in geospatial analysis, reservoir characterization, and carbon storage. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Geology (Geophysics option) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. His current research focuses on the quantitative analysis and geospatial mapping of sectoral CO₂ footprints and geological storage potential in Canada. Chisom has over seven years of experience spanning geophysics, data analytics, and geospatial technologies, and has worked as a research/teaching assistant, data science instructor, and geophysics intern. He is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and currently serves as I.T. Head of the EnGAGE Research Group at the University of Calgary.
Sally Palmers, MSc Geophysics, University of Alberta (Orr Foundation Scholarship)
Sally Palmers is currently a Geophysics Master’s student at the University of Alberta. She completed her undergraduate degree there as well, earning a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Physics and Earth Science. Sally is working with Dr. Jeffrey Gu to study induced seismicity in Northern Alberta. Her work is related to linking wastewater disposal with cases of induced seismicity to reduce seismic activity and protect infrastructure. This summer she is very excited to join CNRL for an internship to gain industry experience. Sally has volunteered with several organizations, and currently serves on the Student Advisory Council for the Canadian Association of Physicists. She is also the Outreach Coordinator for AlbertaSat, which has reached more than 2500 students and members of the public during her tenure. Originally from Ontario, she has settled in Edmonton and enjoys its wonderful river valley, by running and cycling.
Sara Bacher, BSc Geophysics, Queen’s University
Sara Bacher is currently in her fifth year at Queen’s University. She is pursuing a dual degree, BASc in Geological Engineering and BSc in Mathematics. Sara is completing her year-long capstone project on machine learning image reconstruction for aiding in identification of geophysical anomalies. She also works for Dr. Hom Nath Gharti doing 4D modelling of unmanned aircraft systems’ (UAS) flight paths in various environments. This past summer, Sara completed an internship at ESG Solutions, gaining experience in seismic data processing and analysis. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and paddleboarding.
Gina Bilic, BSc Geophysics, University of Manitoba
Gina Bilic is in her final year at the University of Manitoba, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics. Her undergraduate research, supervised by Dr. Paul Durkin, focuses on integrating 3D seismic interpretations and borehole data through geocellular modeling to assess reservoir quality in the Upper Mannville Group of Saskatchewan. As President of the Geophysics Student Society, Gina fosters community engagement among geophysics students by coordinating field trips that provide practical experience with geophysical techniques and instrumentation.
Tyler Boyce, BSc Geophysics, Memorial University
Tyler is a fourth-year geology and geophysics undergraduate student currently attending Memorial University of Newfoundland. He will finish his undergraduate degree this spring and transition directly into a Master’s program at Memorial University focusing on structural and tectonic models as constraints on gold mineralization in eastern Newfoundland. Previously, he worked summer internships with Cenovus focusing on the seismic interpretation and structural modelling of hydrocarbon bearing basins of offshore Newfoundland. Outside of his academic pursuits he is engaged in multiple sports including basketball and hockey, and loves being outdoors as much as possible.
Tiger Fan, BSc Geoscience, Queen’s University
Tiger Fan is a third-year Geoscience student at Queen’s University. During his first two years of undergraduate studies, he was involved in research projects under Dr. Hom Nath Gharti, Dr. Gema Olivo, and Dr. Alexander Braun. His work ranged from developing applications for geophysical and geochemical data analysis to conducting acoustic modelling of uncrewed aerial systems. Tiger also has a strong interest in engaging with the global scientific community. In the summer of 2025, he participated in the FuSEP program at the University of Science and Technology of China, where he worked on detecting Martian subsurface features using machine learning techniques under Dr. Pan Lu. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, fishing, and travelling.
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