The mark of a top academic student is the ability to work through challenges and overcome obstacles, both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n
Both Connor Wilson (BSc \u201921) and Bryn Crandles (BSc \u201921) surmounted the rigours of scholarly life and have each earned the prestigious Governor General Silver Medal at Brock University\u2019s Fall Convocation Friday, Oct. 15.<\/p>\n
The honour is awarded for achieving the highest academic standing at the undergraduate level.<\/p>\n
Wilson, who graduated in June with his Bachelor of Science in Physics, says his approach to studying is based less on memorization and more on problem solving.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like Physics because the rote memory requirements are lower than other disciplines,\u201d he says. \u201cI have studied countless hours to learn the physics tools needed to solve all the problems I encounter, and now it\u2019s a matter of choosing the right tool for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the St. Catharines native has excelled academically, the road to Convocation has not come without its challenges. He eschewed many of the extracurricular activities associated with university life to dedicate his time to study.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t remember things too well, so I spend my time practising problems repeatedly until I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll know how to find a solution,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Since Convocating this spring, Wilson has begun his master\u2019s with Professor David Crandles. He enjoys both the experimental and theoretical side of physics and finds the variety appealing.<\/p>\n
Wilson has been studying metal insulator transitions and gallium doped germanium, which leads to an understanding of how metals can be tailored to different and useful applications.<\/p>\n
His ultimate goal is to become a professor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d be honoured to teach at Brock if there is a position open when I graduate,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Wilson found a home in the Physics department and says there is camaraderie among the professors and students.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are looking for someone to bounce ideas off of, or help get past a difficult problem, there is always someone there to study alongside you,\u201d he says. \u201cI would like to thank Professors Edward Sternin, Stephen Anco and David Crandles for their guidance. They had a huge impact on my academic path.\u201d<\/p>\n
During her studies, Bryn Crandles used her self-described perfectionistic tendencies to ensure comprehensive understanding of her course material.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know sometimes these tendencies can hinder instead of benefit me, but I truly care to learn and fully understand mathematical concepts, because math is everywhere,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always enjoyed math and solving problems. I started in the neuroscience program in 2012 and found that calculus, which I took as an elective, ended up being my favourite class. Coming back to Brock years later, I decided to take other first-year math courses and I really enjoyed them, so I enrolled in the program,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Growing up in Fonthill, Crandles says she always enjoyed learning \u2014 with math always holding the title of her favourite subject.<\/p>\n
When faced with a problem, Crandles says she feels committed to seeing it through to the solution.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a professor recommends an exercise or to review a particular concept, I try my best to do it as it would always help me in the end,\u201d she says. \u201cTime management and procrastination is something that I still struggled with, but always found that making a schedule is beneficial.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finding life balance inside and outside the classroom hasn\u2019t always been easy for Crandles. She took several years off due to mental health concerns and recognized she needed to dedicate time to working through them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese things unfortunately don\u2019t just go away,\u201d she says. \u201cThere were some challenging times managing my health and classes, but thankfully at Brock there is a great accommodations program and there are very understanding professors. Sometimes I didn\u2019t think I would finish my degree, yet with the support of my family, friends and the faculty at Brock, I was able to manage and succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crandles, who is now pursuing her Master of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Waterloo, credits Professor Xiaojian Xu for opening her eyes to the world of statistics and Professor William Marshall, who was her supervisor throughout her undergraduate career.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessor Marshall gave me the opportunity to be involved in statistical research with applications to neuroscience, and I am grateful for his continuous support and encouragement,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cI credit my family and friends for supporting me and believing in me when I didn\u2019t always believe in myself,\u201d she says. \u201cEspecially my dad, Dr. Crandles in Brock\u2019s Physics department, for instilling in me the love of learning, math, hard work and for repeatedly telling me it\u2019s OK to not know everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mathematics and Science Dean Ejaz Ahmed congratulated Wilson and Crandles on their outstanding achievements and the Governor General awards.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents that truly enjoy learning, problem solving and investing time in their education are what make Brock successful,\u201d he says. \u201cWe are proud to call Connor and Bryn Brock graduates.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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