SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University biology and chemistry recent graduate Abigail Austin (‘25) is a recipient of the 2025 3M National Student Fellowship Award. This award recognizes visionary students who demonstrate leadership and innovation by seeing current needs in higher education or society and implementing meaningful change.

“Mount Allison University offered a small campus with opportunities filled with people who want to make an impact. It is hard to sum up what Mount A has meant to me,” says Austin. 

They grew up in the small farming community of Coldwater, ON where they were involved in several community and leadership positions, including 4-H, track and field, curling, student body president, and several volunteer roles. They credit their involvement in these activities as the foundation that built their leadership and commitment to the Mount Allison community.

During their time at Mount Allison, Austin was able to develop their own learning unique learning pathway, with support from faculty, most notably, Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor Dr. Andrew Grant. 

“Dr. Grant and I met in October 2022 before he taught me Bioorganic Chemistry the next year. I quickly became a member of his lab and an Enactus student through his encouragement. But aside from the research I did, he became more of a friend and mentor. Dr. Grant is one of my good friends due to his kindness and willingness to help students in their ventures.” 

In addition to research, Austin was actively involved in student life on campus. Their participation included numerous clubs and societies, including Enactus regional and national exhibitions, pitch competitions, and a study experience at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands with Head of the Psychology Department and Professor Dr. Lisa Dawn Hamilton.

Austin was motivated to apply for the award by a desire to amplify the voices of groups and communities who are often overlooked or unheard.

“I hope to help provide integral information to support students and to reduce barriers of women, 2SLGBTQ+, students with disabilities, first-generation university students, and low-income students like me, in addition to others who also face barriers.”

Austin is currently working in the medical transportation field while deciding what is next for them. Their goal is to work in animal care as an ecologist or veterinarian in the future. 

About the 3M National Student Fellowship

The 3M National Student Fellowship honours full-time diploma and undergraduate students who embrace a vision of education that enhances their academic experience and beyond. Ten student award recipients across Canada were announced on May 14, 2025, by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE).