Long-held ambition drives student award recipient

The journey to and through SFU is unique for each student. Driven by his learning goals and life aspirations, Christopher Ilori is committed to solve tough challenges and create positive change.

Ilori, a PhD student, is a recipient of the Jim Fulton Graduate Bursary, Canadian Pacific/Teck Resources Award for Environmental Innovation, and the Simons Foundation Graduate Award in the Faculty of Environment.

Originally from Ibadan, one of the oldest towns in Sub-Sarahan Africa, Ilori was fascinated with the story of Ferdinand Magellan and his quest to circumnavigate the globe. Following undergraduate geography studies in Nigeria and a master’s degree in the UK, he joined SFU’s Remote Sensing Lab to work on satellite-derived bathymetry and seafloor mapping in North American coastal waters.

“This generosity has inspired me to help others and I hope one day I will be able to give back to society…. Upon completing my studies, I will be part of a community of young ocean professionals who would be contributing to global sustainable development, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where there is a large gap of knowledge in ocean study owing to a shortage of skilled scientists.”

Donors play a vital role in the success of SFU students. Thank you for your generous support.