UBC doctoral student Tyler Paetkau has been recognized for his work in health ethics. 
Tyler is a PhD student in population and public health at UBC, where he works on quantitative public health ethics. He researches how social determinants impact end-of-life decision-making and the ethics of expanding medical assistance in dying for mental health conditions. His research project, “Exploring the Connection Between Mental Health and Medical Assistance in Dying: A New Approach to Assessing Vulnerability,” was recognized for examining ethical issues around the expansion of medical assistance in dying.
Tyler was selected as one of sixteen Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholars on April 30. He was selected from among more than 680 applicants. The newest 2025 scholars were nominated by universities across Canada and abroad, and selected based on how their research reflects the four fundamental guiding themes of the Foundation: Human Rights and Dignity; Responsible Citizenship; People and their Natural Environment; and, Canada and the World. Another UBC student, Kelsey Doyle (PhD, Anthropology), was shortlisted in February.
For three years, each Scholar will receive up to $50,000 per year to cover tuition and living expenses, as well as an annual allowance of up to $20,000 for research, networking, and participation in Foundation activities. In total, they can benefit from up to $210,000 over the three years with the Foundation.
Learn more about the scholars from the news release.
To learn more about the Trudeau Scholarship visit the Awards section of the website.