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UVic student net $12,000 scholarships

Students to study of pollinators and photosynthetic bacteria

Two University of Victoria master students are among 11 new graduate fellowships awarded by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

The institute is a partnership between four universities, including UVic.

Jason Straka, master of science candidate with the school of environmental studies, will examine to what extent climate change is contributing to the collapse of pollinator communities, such as bees, flights and butterflies.

Matthew Ooms, master of science candidate with the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, will study the use of photosynthetic bacteria, instead of crop plants, as a biofuel.

The fellowships are wort up to $12,000 each.

“Finding solutions for mitigating or adapting to the impacts of climate changes is one of the key objectives of PICS," said executive director Tom Pedersen.

"These successful candidates will be instrumental in continuing that momentum,”