Nature NB and the Mary Majka Scholarship Fund committee are pleased to announce the three winners of this year’s Mary Majka Scholarship, awarded to students at any stage of their education who will be pursuing projects and programs in the realms of environmental science, conservation, biology, or other subjects that seek to better understand and protect our natural world. The awards were announced at Nature NB’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Université de Moncton – Shippagan campus, June 5th 2026.
The Mary Majka Scholarship Fund was created in June of 2014 to honour the legacy of Mary Majka, one of Nature NB’s founding members and its President from 1980-84. The Fund’s purpose is to further youth engagement with nature and our natural heritage, one of Mary’s primary interests.
Three types of scholarship are offered:
- Category 1 is open to high school graduates about to start post-secondary studies in the field of natural sciences with an interest in nature and the environment. This would be conveyed as a study scholarship.
- Category 2 is available to post-secondary students already enrolled in the field of natural sciences with an interest in nature and the environment. This would also be conveyed as a study scholarship.
- Category 3 could be awarded to students in middle or high school wanting to further their knowledge in the natural sciences and would be given as a contribution to cover specific expenses such as a special project, study course or participation in a workshop.
The Committee met in late May to review and evaluate the applications and determine the awards that might be possible, given the quality of the applications.
The Committee recommended that, in Category 1, $1,000 study scholarships be awarded in 2026 to Kyler Hogan of Saint John that in Category 2, two $1,000 study scholarships be awarded to Sydney Gahan and Brynn LeRoy.
Brynne LeRoy
Brynne LeRoy is entering her fourth year at the University of British Columbia, where she is majoring in Forest Sciences and Conservation. She plans to attend field school next spring in either marine conservation or forest resources conservation, providing an opportunity to continue gaining hands-on experience in environmental research. Brynne has long been passionate about studying the natural world, particularly ecology, genetics, and the role that research plays in supporting conservation efforts. She has also been fortunate to work with organizations such as ACAP Saint John, which has further strengthened her interest in environmental work.
Looking ahead, Brynne hopes to pursue a master’s degree in conservation genetics or marine biology and contribute to research that helps protect ecosystems. She is honoured to receive this scholarship and is excited to continue her studies and further develop her knowledge and experience in the field of conservation.
Sydney Gahan
Sydney Gahan is entering her fourth year at the University of New Brunswick as an honours candidate in the Biology program and has completed a concentration in Marine Biology. Her honours research project focuses on climate change and Brook Trout conservation. Sydney is very grateful to have received this scholarship once again and to continue the legacy of Mary Majka.
Sydney is committed to conservation and has a particular interest in marine ecosystems. Through her studies and research, she hopes to contribute to a greater understanding of environmental challenges and the protection of aquatic habitats. She is deeply honoured to receive this scholarship and looks forward to continuing her academic and research pursuits
Kyler Hogan
Kyler Hogan is a grade twelve student at Harbour View High School in Saint John, New Brunswick. In school, he has strived to learn as much as possible through various Advanced Placement courses and through a mix of courses in the arts and sciences. He is also an active member of his school’s community. Whether it be through Harbour View’s Band Program, the school newspaper, the choral ensemble, or Relay For Life he has made it his mission to make a lasting impact. Most of all, his involvement in the school’s Climate Action group as Co-president has allowed him to grow and develop his passion for taking care of the world around us. Next year, he will be attending the University of New Brunswick Fredericton, and will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. His post-secondary education will allow him to care for our environment here in New Brunswick and truly make a meaningful impact.
Nature NB is proud to support Kyler, Brynn, and Sydney in their studies and congratulates them on their accomplishments to date.
Donations to the Mary Majka Scholarship Fund can be made online, by cheque, or in-person through the Nature NB office at 61 Carleton Street, Suite 3, Fredericton NB, E3B 3T2. More information is available here.
Nature NB is a New Brunswick non-profit, charitable organization and charitable receipts are issued.
