Cora Shea Memorial Fund

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 that you can view in this video:

Donations

To donate to the fund, please click on the DONATE button below and select the Cora Shea Memorial Fund from the drop down box. If you prefer to donate by cheque, please download and complete this form and mail it to the Foundation's office (our address is on the form).

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Memories of Cora Shea
Calgary 2008-2012

Credits: Dr. Bruce Jamison

Terms of Reference

The Cora Shea Memorial Fund was established to provide modest financial assistance to women seeking to do snow or avalanche research and/or study towards advanced avalanche practice. Up to two grants of $750 CAD will be awarded annually to support women of any nationality in this field. Travel and direct expenses for relevant conferences and courses are specifically included.

First preference will be given to women contributing to snow or avalanche research. Second preference is to women who identify how they will advance or promote the application of science in professional practice regarding avalanche safety, education, or forecasting. 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.

Application Process

  • Applicants must download and complete a grant application form found here.
  • Applicants must submit a written cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining their avalanche-related career intentions, how the proposed grant will assist their career, and describing the proposed expenditures. Please include a short résumé.
  • Send your completed application form and letter with resume to grants@avalanche.ca or via mail to the address specified on the grant application form by September 30.

Remember the purpose of your application is to showcase your skills and suitability for your chosen grant. To make sure your application is as effective as possible, consider ensuring your work is presented in a professional style and has been checked for spelling, grammar and punctuation. You can use a free tool, such as Grammarly if you’d like extra support with this.

Please note that the grant is for expenditures in the 12 months following the application deadline. Receipts must be provided for the expenditures.