In 2008, Cora Shea came from California to study with the Applied Snow and Avalanche Research group at the University of Calgary (ASARC). She completed her PhD in Geoscience in September 2011. Many of her contributions to snow and avalanche science – which can be found on ASARC’s publication and outreach pages – involved thermal processes and visualization. She is remembered for her insatiable curiosity about physics – especially snow physics – as well as her remarkable skill at explaining physical processes. At the 2012 International Snow Science Workshop in Anchorage, Alaska, Bruce Jamieson shared some memories of Cora, you can view this video at https://vimeo.com/51786189
In her memory, The Cora Shea Memorial Fund has been established to provide modest financial assistance to women seeking to do avalanche research and/or study towards advanced avalanche practice.
Objectives of the Fund:
- Annual support of $500 to $1000 from the fund in support of women of any nationality pursuing snow or avalanche science/research, or courses to advance their professional practice in avalanche education, avalanche safety, or forecasting. Travel and direct expenses for relevant conferences and courses are specifically included. Maximum of one award per year.
- Applicants, including successful applicants, can re-apply in subsequent years, although the committee may give preference to applicants who have not previously received the award.
Criteria
- First preference towards snow or avalanche science/research
- Second towards professional practice in avalanche safety, education or forecasting
- Based on a proposal (maximum 2 pages) on avalanche-related career intentions and how the proposed grant would assist her career in snow or avalanche science or avalanche practice
Selection Committee
- One member of the Canadian Avalanche Foundation (CAF) Board
- One professional member of the Canadian Avalanche Association selected by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Board of Directors
- On behalf of Cora’s parents, Bruce Jamieson or, should he decline or not be available, then a second person chosen by the CAA board
Applications
- Applications should be received by the Canadian Avalanche Foundation at: info@avalanchefoundation.ca by 31 May
