University of Toronto Excellence Award

May 21, 2020

Congratulations to undergraduate student Cheryl Cheung who has received a University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA). Going into her third year majoring in political science, with minors in visual studies and American studies, Cheryl will be embarking on the project ‘Legacies of Blood and Law: State Formation in a Global Era’ under the guidance of PI and political science Professor Seva Gunitsky. Of the award she said: ‘Being a recipient of this award enables me to explore the causes and effects of regime change outside the classroom. My paternal family fled the Chinese Communist Regime to find safety in both Hong Kong and America. As a result of their triumph, I grew up with the privilege of belonging to a liberal democracy and am curious as to why liberalism is trumped by more malevolent forces like populism and authoritarianism in other parts of the world. I’m excited to develop a stronger research focus and a clearer writing voice under the guidance of Dr. Gunitsky.’

The University of Toronto Excellence Award program is funded by the Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI) and is designed to provide opportunities for research experience at the undergraduate level in Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) or Social Sciences and humanities (SSH); to augment the formal research courses offered by the University of Toronto; to give undergraduate students opportunities to experience different approaches to research in various fields; to help students learn and appreciate the investigative methodology of areas of particular interest; and, to provide students with an experience that will allow them to make informed decisions about pursuing careers in research.