CEPS Graduate Students Awarded $70,000 in Vector AI Scholarships
Four students from the University of Guelph (U of G) College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) have been awarded the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence (VSAI) for 2025. Each recipient will receive a $17,500 entrance scholarship which will support their graduate studies and research in artificial intelligence (AI) this fall.
Data Science (MDS) students Barath Sanjeevan, Jose Barral Morcillo and Takeshi Yagiuchi in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and (M.Sc.) Computer Science student Lokesh Kumar in the Collaborative Specialization in Artificial Intelligence (CSAI), are the 2025 U of G recipients.
CSAI is a Vector-recognized program which allows students to pursue interdisciplinary AI research within their graduate studies. U of G’s Master of Data Science, also Vector-recognized, equips students with core data science skills and an ethical lens.
“We’re incredibly proud of our students for earning this recognition from the Vector Institute,” says Dr. Ayesha Ali, Statistics Professor and Master of Data Science program director. “It speaks to the strength of our AI training and the calibre of talent we’re attracting to the University of Guelph. These scholarships affirm our commitment to preparing Ontario’s next AI leaders.”
The Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence is a merit-based entrance award that recognizes exceptional candidates pursuing master’s programs in Ontario, either recognized by the Vector Institute or that have an AI-focused curriculum. The scholarship aims to support the development of a world-class AI workforce by attracting top talent to the province’s graduate programs.
U of G is proud to be one of 28 academic partners of the Vector Institute and continues to cultivate excellence in AI research and innovation through interdisciplinary graduate education.
Barath Sanjeevan (MDS)
"Receiving the Vector Scholarship in Al represents a pivotal recognition of my commitment to developing intelligent systems that seamlessly integrate into human experiences while solving complex challenges. This support will accelerate my vision of advancing Al applications in virtual reality that maintain authentic human connection, creating technology that not only automates tasks across sports and gaming but does so with the nuance and accessibility that makes innovation truly meaningful."
Jose Barral Morcillo (MDS)
"Artificial Intelligence is ceasing to be an unknown phenomenon and is becoming an essential tool in the daily lives of a large part of the population. Its impact transcends the technological field and also encompasses important ethical and social dimensions that significantly influence its application. Therefore, I am deeply grateful to have received this scholarship, which will allow me to deepen my knowledge and understanding of this complex field. Thanks to this opportunity, I will be able to contribute to the development of solutions to the major challenges facing key sectors such as finance and healthcare."
Takeshi Yagiuchi (MDS)
“Despite technological advancements, people worldwide suffer from overwork and insecurity due to aging populations and complicated production processes. While the world struggles to keep pace with rapid changes, integrating AI into daily life can create meaningful societal improvements. I am passionate about the responsible advancement and integration of AI, particularly in automating mathematical proofs, a field with the potential to accelerate innovation not only in mathematics but also in physics, chemistry, and engineering. The Vector Scholarship in AI empowers me to pursue this vision by connecting with a vibrant community of AI researchers and professionals beyond the university.”
Lokesh Kumar (M.Sc.)
"AI stands as one of today’s most influential technologies, reshaping every sector through its transformative power. I am profoundly grateful to receive the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence, which will help me explore the intersection of AI with my research domain. This valuable support provides me with cutting-edge resources and training that will help me develop sustainable solutions to complex problems, while adhering to the ethical aspects of AI implementation. Through this opportunity, my work aims to build solutions that bring harmony between technology and human needs."