Osgoode LLM student Savitri Gordian is the successful recipient of a York University Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) Dissertation Prize, with a value of $1000, for her exceptional and original research in environmental health regulations in Ontario.
Gordian’s thesis – Contesting Risk, Precaution and Legitimacy: A Case Study of Lafarge – analyzes important intellectual debates in environmental law surrounding the Ontario Ministry of Environment authorizing Lafarge – a large cement manufacturer – to burn used tires as fuel in its cement kilns. Several citizens’ groups and individuals opposed the plan due to uncertain environmental and health effects associated with incinerating tires.
Every year FGS awards a maximum of six thesis prizes for exceptional theses defended in a given year (three for Master’s and three for PhDs). The thesis or dissertation must have been recognized by the examining committee at the defence as being outstanding before it is nominated.
The examining committee found Gordian’s thesis to be “exceptionally well theorized, meticulously researched, and beautifully written. It elegantly analyzes important intellectual debates in the context of a compelling real world case study. This is a remarkably mature analysis for a student at the Master’s level and would make a significant contribution to the field if published.”
FGS Dean Barbara Crow congratulated all recipients on their outstanding contributions, accompanied by their respective supervisors and program staff who provided admirable support over the years. “It is so exciting and satisfying to read and share some of the incredible research taking place at our university,” remarked Dean Crow. “Congratulations, and thank you all again for your amazing contributions.”