2021/22 - Dimitrios Machlouta, History and Classical Studies
2020/21 - Eliza Pertigkiozoglou, Architecture
2019/20 - Maria Sotiropoulou, Human Genetics
2018/19 - Nikolaos Dimitriou, Biological & Biomedical Engineering
2017/18 - Georgia Pierrou, Electrical and Computer Engineering
2016/17 - Constantinos Yanniris, Integrated Studies in Education
2015/16 - Dimitrios Xanthopoulos, Chemistry
2021/22 - Dimitrios Machlouta, History and Classical Studies
Studying history is always something challenging and time-consuming. It is at the same time rewarding since once embarked in this journey one is privileged to discover the most unexpected answers to one's intellectual inquisitiveness. According to an oral tradition, Marc Bloch once said that historical questions are just like paper ships; they either keep afloat or sink in the sea of archival data. The latter means you have to retry once again with a new hypothesis. My dissertation, through extensive research of archival sources and interviews, traces the itinerary of those Greek academics who went into exile following the Junta coup in Greece. Through the practice of connected history, which interwinds the local with global, and under the guidance of Professor Tassos Anastassiadis at the Department of History at McGill, I locate the place of the French-educated Greek intellectuals who arrived in Montréal during the sixties within both the Greek diaspora and the anti-junta movement. I argue that their activities and connections were global in scope, even if conditions in Québec shaped their perceptions. Moreover, they were constantly crossing the two shores of the Atlantic between North America and Europe in the pursuit of expanding further the impact of their cause.
I am grateful to the Niarchos Foundation for supporting my research warmly. These funds will permit me to focus during the next years merely on my research and enrich the primary material through the exploration of archival collections not only in Greece and Canada but also in France and the U.S.A. I strongly believe that through this generous support, this research has the potential of enhancing further our understanding of transnational intellectual exile, migration, and political activism against authoritarian forms of ruling, an issue of timely importance in our world.
2020/21 - Eliza Pertigkiozoglou, Architecture
As software increasingly mediates our lives and practices, I deem it pertinent to study our computational tools and interfaces critically. Such a study would help us better understand the technical and social conditions within which we live, work, and operate, as well as design a more informed future. As an architect with a background in design and technology, I wish to address these issues through my PhD research at McGill supervised by Prof. Theodora Vardouli. In particular, my research will look at early software for computer-aided design as a site of knowledge production and disciplinary exchange between architecture, engineering, and computing.
Doing research at the intersections of computational media and design discourse has been a long-term aspiration for me, shaped by various academic and professional experiences. At McGill, I found an engaging and stimulating environment with plentiful resources for such an endeavor. Of course, pursuing my PhD at this eminent university would not have been possible without the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation Fellowship. Besides being a prestigious award and substantial financial support, this Fellowship encourages me to continue my pursuits with enthusiasm - an encouragement particularly precious this year that we all face uncertainty due to the pandemic.
2019/20 - Maria Sotiropoulou, Human Genetics
Life Sciences have always been an intriguingly large and colourful jigsaw puzzle to me; it feels like we are only a few pieces away from another small revelation bringing us closer to the whole picture. As a Molecular Biologist-Geneticist aiming to specialize in the continuously evolving field of Human Cancer Genetics, Prof. I. Ragoussis’s lab at McGill Genome Centre is a steady step towards placing my own piece to the puzzle. My research focuses on the application of state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to Cancer Genomics, in an effort to gain novel insights into multiple malignant tumours and identify new targets and therapeutics.
I deem Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation initiative not only as a means of financial support allowing me to study in one of the most eminent Universities, but also as an unparalleled opportunity to shape the scientist of my expectations.
2017/18 - Georgia Pierrou, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Aspiring to dedicate my professional career to contribute to the solution of the energy challenge, it comes as an indication that pursuing a doctorate degree is a well-made decision. I am honored to engage in research in the Power Engineering Group under the supervision of Prof. Xiaozhe Wang and contribute to a worthwhile cause, the Energy Transition in both the developed and developing world.
I regard the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation Fellowship not only as a great opportunity, but also as a personal commitment to a whole-hearted effort combining hard work with a long and rewarding relationship with McGill University and its community.
2016/17 - Constantinos Yanniris, Integrated Studies in Education
Constantinos Yanniris was invited to participate in the 2021 Stavros Niarchos Foundation project about SNF Scholars' experiences. A short video of his research interests and experience is available here.
"In the Greek island of Kalymnos, teachers and students venture into the local environs and use the island’s environmental history and landscape as both a field and a means of experiential learning. In this study, we explored the impact of these educational initiatives on participating students’ environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. Many thanks to the SNF, FRQSC, the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), as well as McGill GPS for supporting this doctoral project."
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