Vanier Scholarship Winner: Nourhan Bayasi, Ph.D. Candidate at UBC Specializing in AI for Medical Imaging

Hi, I’m Nourhan Bayasi (Syrian Canadian), a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. I specialize in AI for medical imaging, working on improving continual learning and domain generalization to make deep learning more useful in healthcare. I earned my Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Khalifa University in the UAE. During my bachelor’s, I was always the top student, graduating with a GPA of 3.96/4. In my master’s, I secured two patents as the first author. I’ve also had a mix of academic and industry experience, from being a lecturer and lab engineer to working as a machine learning engineer. My long-term dream is to become a professor at a top university, build my own lab, and support as many students as I can along the way.

In 2022, I was awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, which is the most prestigious PhD fellowship in Canada. This scholarship is awarded to doctoral students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, research potential, and leadership skills. Receiving the Vanier was a turning point in my academic career—especially since my application was ranked first among all candidates that year, despite the intense competition.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship(s)?

To prepare, I reached out to previous Vanier Scholarship holders to gain insights and understand what made their applications successful. I did extensive online research to gather the necessary information and tips, dedicating a few weeks solely to working on the application. It was an intensive process, but I gave it my full attention. I also contacted referees I trusted—people who knew my work well and were genuinely happy to support me with strong, personalized letters.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of its honesty and authenticity. I was genuine with every single letter I wrote, keeping my tone simple and direct. I focused on telling my story and highlighting my passion and commitment to making a difference in healthcare through AI. Additionally, I presented my achievements, like my patents and my consistent top performance during my bachelor’s and master’s, in a natural way.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I still look back at my application and feel proud—and a little surprised—by how well it turned out. Sometimes, I reread it and think, “Wow, I really wrote this!” It feels like a reflection of my best work.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest piece of advice is to start early and invest time in understanding what the scholarship committee is looking for. Make sure your story is clear, and don’t shy away from sharing your genuine passion. Highlight your unique journey and achievements but keep your writing straightforward and from the heart. Choose your referees wisely—people who know you well and are enthusiastic about supporting you. Finally, be prepared for revisions and ask trusted mentors or peers to review your application. Their feedback can be invaluable in making your story even stronger.