This year, some 10,000 uOttawa students will receive their diplomas as family and friends cheer them on.
Our graduating students are forging their own paths, be it through research, arts, business, science, or other disciplines, they’re taking their education and academic experience to the next level and driving toward a brighter tomorrow. Each uOttawa student has a unique story to tell about the path that brought them to graduation day.
We’re showcasing the stories, accomplishments, and passions of some of the members of the Class of 2024. As our graduates embark on new journeys, they inspire optimism, innovation and collaboration, shaping a brighter tomorrow for us all. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Balancing academic achievement with community engagement
Mohamed Aboudlal has completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, where he has maintained an impressive 9.9 GPA throughout his undergraduate studies. His academic excellence extends beyond the classroom, with active participation as a Research Assistant in various research settings, including the Adamo Lab with Dr. Kristi Adamo at uOttawa, and the Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab with Dr. Jennifer Reed at the University of Ottawa Research Institute.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Mohamed has been deeply involved in community service. He has volunteered for initiatives such as the Human Kinetics Buddies program, Special Olympics Ontario, and the Motionball Marathon of Sport. Mohamed is also actively involved with his local community and mosque and supports his community whenever possible, particularly during the month of Ramadan by helping organize Iftaar.
His academic excellence and community engagement contributions have been recognized through a series of distinctions and scholarships, including the uOttawa Faculty of Health Sciences Chancellor’s Scholarship, NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (twice), Médéric Montpetit Undergraduate Fund, and OCISO Marion Dewar Scholarship, among others. He was honoured to learn that he was selected as the Class Speaker for the Faculty of Health Sciences, Class of 2024.
“I believe the importance of a community-based approach is critical in ensuring that the needs of people you want to help are fully met.”
Mohamed Aboudlal
— HonBSc in Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences
Mohamed's passion for promoting healthy living is evident in his volunteer work as a physical activity counsellor at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), where he assists children in integrating physical activity into their lives to achieve their wellbeing goals.
Through his internship at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Mohamed explored the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular health. He continues to volunteer there, conducting exercise testing and data analysis. He is interested in better understanding the role of physical activity and the optimal exercise prescription for various cardiovascular rehab contexts.
Guided throughout his years at uOttawa by Dr. Kristi Adamo, Mohamed aims to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery, with a particular interest in orthopedic oncology. He will commence his studies this fall at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Mississauga campus. As he embarks on his next chapter, his commitment to integrating physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits into every aspect of life remains firm. As a physician, he hopes to apply his skills in countries like Qatar or the United Arab Emirates while also continuing on his path of community service.
Sapphira Thompson-Bled: A profile in ambition and versatility
Sapphira Thompson-Bled has a deliberate approach to learning and diverse interests.
She kickstarted her journey at the University of Ottawa, where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Social Science degree in International Studies and Modern Languages.
Following this, and prior to enrolling in law school at uOttawa, she pursued a Master of Global Affairs degree at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in order to delve deeper into international relations and law.
Opting for separate master’s and law degrees allowed Sapphira to fully engage with both disciplines, a choice that reflects her commitment to a well-rounded education. Following that, her return to uOttawa to pursue her Juris Doctor was punctuated by an enriching five-month academic exchange at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, where she studied diverse areas of law in French, including maritime law, urban planning law, and international economic law.
“I loved it. It was cool to learn about those different areas of law that are completely outside of anything I was studying at uOttawa.”
Sapphira Thompson-Bled
— Juris Doctor (JD), Faculty of Law
Returning to uOttawa law school, Saphira was a prominent figure in activities including the Black Students Law Association (BLSA), where she was co-president, and then VP, Finance. She was also part of the uOttawa Walsh Family Law Moot team that placed second overall last year, and she was the English Common Law program’s representative to the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Council, which involved representing the interests of uOttawa’s English Common Law students to the OBA.
One aspect of law school that Sapphira particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to mentor with a judge through the Criminal Courthouse Mentorship program at uOttawa. I was paired with Judge Trevor Brown. I would watch some of the cases that he presided over and then discuss the cases with him afterwards.” Sapphira remains in touch with Judge Brown even today.
Sapphira also took advantage of the internship program at uOttawa Law. She interned at Wealth Simple, where she conducted research on consumer protection and competition law, and later at Russomanno Criminal Law where she helped with disclosure review and legal research, observed counsel in court, and assisted with potential surety interviews. “The internship program really helped me see what areas of law I liked or didn’t like. I would definitely recommend the program to students currently in law school.”
Now poised to embark on her articling journey with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, she remains open to the possibility of further academic pursuits, such as a PhD. Sapphira stands ready to tackle the challenges of her chosen field, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for excellence.
