The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory is pleased to share that Junzhang Chen, a M.Eng. student in Civil Engineering, has been named a recipient of the First ISC RISE (Recognizing International Student Excellence) Award.
Junzhang’s journey at Memorial University spans over six years, during which he has actively contributed to both academic and professional communities. His work includes leadership roles such as President of the CSCE Memorial University Student Chapter and Regional Director (Atlantic) of the IWA Young Water Professionals Canada. Through these roles, he has been involved in rebuilding student engagement initiatives and strengthening professional networks within and beyond the university.
Reflecting on his experience, Junzhang said:
“What began as an opportunity to study abroad gradually became something much more — a sense of belonging, and a responsibility to contribute to the community. This perspective continues to guide my efforts in supporting student development, professional engagement, and community building.”
The 2026 selection process received an overwhelming number of applications from across Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic. To ensure fairness, all applications were anonymized and reviewed by a non-student selection committee. Recipients were selected based on initiative, impact, inspiration, and resilience, while also reflecting the diversity of the student community.
(L-R) Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University; Junzhang Chen; Blake Colbran, Executive Director of Student Life at MUNSU (Photo provided by ISC)
The award ceremony was held on April 25, 2026, at the Whale Atrium, Core Science Facility, Memorial University. During the ceremony, recipients were recognized for their contributions and shared their experiences as international students.
NRPOP Lab congratulates Junzhang on this achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to research, professional engagement, and the broader community.
About the International Students Resource Centre (ISC)
The International Students Resource Centre (ISC) at Memorial University is one of MUNSU’s seven resource centres. Its mission is to support international students in adapting to a new environment, ensuring they feel welcomed and have equal opportunities to thrive. ISC promotes diversity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange while fostering a strong sense of community among students.
About ISC RISE
ISC RISE (Recognizing International Student Excellence) is an initiative that celebrates and documents the powerful journeys of international students — recognizing stories of resilience, growth, and impact. Rather than focusing solely on competition, ISC RISE emphasizes recognition and the sharing of meaningful experiences to inspire others within the community
