Jones Nwaeze’s (BSc ’24) path to academic success has been carved by hardship, hope and a heartfelt support system.

The Applied Health Sciences master’s student recently received a 2024 Horizon Graduate Student Scholarship in recognition of his perseverance and academic excellence.  The scholarship — presented to 20 recipients this fall and valued at $5,000 — honours exceptional graduate researchers from underrepresented and marginalized groups.

“This scholarship means so much to me,” Nwaeze says. “It’s a validation of my hard work, and I want to make my mom proud for all the sacrifices and efforts she has put into us.”

Nwaeze moved from Hungary to Canada in 2017 with his family in search of safety and better opportunities. His experiences as a young refugee forged his determination to make a difference through health care.

“I was always knocked down in school growing up, especially in the subjects I loved,” Nwaeze says. “On the bus, I often faced racial slurs and other forms of discrimination. It felt like I was never seen for who I really was. But my mom was always strong for me and my sister. She’s my source of strength.”

Raised in a single-parent household, Nwaeze is deeply motivated to help his family and community but struggled to overcome isolation caused by language barriers, culture shock and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Master’s student Jones Nwaeze (BSc ‘24) is researching damaged proteins in the body connected to age-related conditions and chronic kidney disease.

Things began to change by his third year as an undergraduate student at Brock.

“If it wasn’t for my undergrad thesis and my professor, Dr. Newman Sze, I don’t think I would’ve pursued graduate studies,” he says. “It allowed me to explore a research area I wasn’t aware had a major impact in health care.”

Sze, Professor of Health Sciences and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Mechanisms of Health and Disease, now supervises Nwaeze’s research exploring how damaged proteins in the body connect to age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s and kidney diseases.

“Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can link to so many other issues in the body, more than people think,” Nwaeze says. “For example, kidneys are just as important as your lungs or heart, and if they aren’t able to filter waste efficiently, many other issues arise. Complications such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and more can develop.”

Nwaeze says that while rates of CKD are rising worldwide, driven by aging populations and the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity, current interventions are often costly and invasive.

He hopes his research will contribute to innovative, non-invasive treatment options that can help improve the quality of life for those with chronic kidney disease.

In addition to his research, Nwaeze is actively involved in the Niagara community. His experiences volunteering at the Niagara Falls Hospital inspire him to continue his academic and professional growth.

He also credits his research mentors, especially Sze, for providing guidance and encouragement throughout his journey.

“Without the support of my lab members and Dr. Sze, none of this would have been possible,” he says. “They have helped me grow as a researcher and as a person.”

Looking ahead, he is committed to continuing his research and improving lives through health care, whether through a PhD or another path.

“I’m keeping an open mind,” he says. “But I know I want to make an impact. Whether it’s in health care, research or my community, I want to keep learning and finding ways to help.”

Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Suzanne Curtin says this year’s Horizon Scholarship recipients are pushing the boundaries of research in their various fields.

“Their diverse experiences enrich our academic community, and the Horizon Scholarship ensures that students from all backgrounds have the support they need to make a lasting impact,” she says.

With $1 million invested over a decade to support the next generation of transformative scholars, the scholarship is also part of Brock’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community.

The 2024 Horizon Graduate Student Scholarship recipients are:

• Rasheeda Neinpaga Abdul-Rahman, MA in Applied Health Sciences (Nursing)
• Edmond Adabanka, MA in Critical Sociology
• Ibrahim Adefolu, MSc in Management (Finance)
• Shakiru Alaka, PhD in Applied Health Sciences (Health Biosciences)
• Serenity Amegashie, MA in Applied Health Sciences (Community Health)
• Belinda Baffowaah, MA in Applied Linguistics
• Audri Banik, MSc in Computer Science
• Cassandra Carlson (BSc ‘23), MSc in Applied Health Sciences (Health Sciences)
• Eric Corrêa Rodrigues, MSc in Applied Health Sciences (Kinesiology)
• Keith Cunningham, PhD in Child and Youth Studies
• Gabriel Gebril, MA in Game Studies
• Krystal Gray, PhD in Educational Studies (Cognition and Learning)
• Isabelle F. Hill (BKin ‘22, MSc ‘24), PhD in Applied Health Sciences (Behavioural and Population Health)
• Mikayla McEwan (BA ‘24), MSc in Applied Health Sciences (Kinesiology)
• Reesha Nauman (BPH ‘24), MSc in Applied Health Sciences (Health Sciences)
• Jones Nwaeze (BSc ‘24), MSc in Applied Health Sciences (Health Sciences)
• Sunny Qureshi (BSc ‘22, MA ‘24), PhD in Psychology (Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience)
• Mackenzie Rockbrune (BA ‘22), MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies
• Taylor Rowe (MA ‘24), PhD in Applied Health Sciences (Behavioural and Population Health)
• Faezeh Yazdani Najafabadi, MA in Applied Disability Studies