ABERDEEN, S.D.?– Northern State University is proud to share that alumna Sierra Sweeney has been awarded the highly competitive Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) award. Valued at $27,000 CAD, the scholarship will support Sweeney’s graduate studies and research in Canada through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
A standout student in Northern’s Human Performance program, Sweeney was also a member of the university’s Honors Program and competed as a student-athlete on the track and field team.
The CGS M program supports promising students as they develop their research skills and take on leadership roles in their fields. Awarded to those who’ve demonstrated academic excellence in both undergraduate and early graduate work, the scholarship allows recipients to focus fully on their studies. Each year, up to 3,000 students across all areas of research are selected, with funding provided by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
“Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me, as it affirms that my research is being recognized for its potential to make a meaningful impact in the field of health sciences,” Sweeney said.
“My goal is to contribute to injury prevention and develop innovative rehabilitation methods—particularly focused on the lower limbs—for both the general population and athletes. My time at Northern, especially working in the Human Performance Lab under the guidance of Dr. Talmage, has been instrumental in shaping my research and analytical skills. That experience has undoubtedly prepared me for future opportunities and played a significant role in me receiving this award.”
Sweeney said her time at Northern gave her the foundation she needed to succeed. “Working in the Human Performance Lab with Dr. Talmage really helped shape how I approach research and analyze data,” she said. “That experience played a huge role in preparing me for what’s ahead and definitely helped me earn this award.”
Her story is one of many showing how Northern students leave campus ready to take on meaningful opportunities in their fields.