Indigenous students

The Faculty of Science is committed to supporting Indigenous students throughout their university experience, from their first contact with UVic through graduation and beyond.

Student support

UVic offers a diverse network of supports for Indigenous students and a variety of culturally-relevant services, including:

Indigenous Science students may also be interested in joining AISES, a student club that brings together Indigenous students studying STEM.

We encourage you to self-identify during the admissions process so we can send you relevant information. This voluntary declaration will not be used for admission decisions. Documentation of Indigenous ancestry is not required.

Funding

If you're a sponsored Indigenous student, you should connect with UVic's Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement. The office will liaise with your sponsor and advocate on your behalf for funding.

There are many scholarships, bursaries and other awards available to Indigenous students to help fund the cost of education. Funding is available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate student funding Graduate student funding

Research opportunities

To encourage Indigenous students to get research experience in the lab of a faculty member, we have several awards that provide funding:

Indigenous students are also eligible to apply for all other research opportunities open to Science students.

Indigenous faculty

In 2024, we conducted a cluster hire to increase the number of Indigenous faculty members in the Faculty of Science. Five new faculty members joined the Faculty in 2026.

Jesse Mumford

Assistant Professor, Physics & Astronomy

Nation: Métis
Research area: Quantum physics

Jesse earned his undergraduate degree at UBC and PhD at McMaster University, with research stints in Poland and Oklahoma on theoretical quantum physics. Now at UVic, he studies atomic, molecular and optical systems to explore quantum chaos, phase transitions and complexity, while inspiring students amid B.C.’s mountains and ocean.

Ryland Giebelhaus

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Nation: Métis Nation with Alberta (Otipemisiwak Métis government)
Research area: Analytical chemistry

Ryland earned a PhD in chemistry at the University of Alberta and a BSc (Honours) at UBC-Okanagan. He applies LC×LC-MS for untargeted metabolomics, develops data tools, and explores biological questions. His current focus includes pesticide and herbicide exposure in humans and ecosystems, and detecting adulteration in natural products and foods.

Casey Brant

Associate Teaching Professor, Earth & Ocean Sciences

Nation: Kenhtè:ke (Mohawk)
Research area: Marine geology with a focus on anthropogenic influence

Casey Brant earned a PhD at UVic and taught geoscience for over a decade on Vancouver Island. Her work as a boat captain along BC’s coast inspired an MA at Royal Roads, studying extractive industries and coastal First Nations. Casey credits her holistic perspective and curiosity to her Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) heritage.

Jaime Grimm

Assistant Professor, Biology

Nation: Manitoba Salteaux
Research area: Sustainable & Indigenous-led fisheries

Jaime earned a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Biology at McGill University. She worked with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada for a number of years and is excited to return to the West Coast to research marine fisheries. Outside work, she enjoys knitting, beading and hiking.

Benjamin Anderson-Sackaney

Assistant Professor, Mathematics & Statistics

Nation: Fort Albany First Nation
Research area: Operator algebras and quantum groups

Benjamin Anderson-Sackaney is a pure mathematician whose interests are among operator algebras and quantum groups. He is originally from north-eastern Ontario and finds the rocky landscape on the island reminiscent of home. In his personal time, Benjamin enjoys seeing friends and family, long distance running, reading, beading and video games.