Background

The goal of the Lett Symposium is to provide a showcase for biology graduate student research here at Dalhousie, and to recognize our biology graduate students’ scientific accomplishments and hard work during their years of study. The Lett Symposium is also an opportunity for biology graduate students to come together in a formal setting to present their research to fellow peers, as well as to faculty members.
 
This symposium is named after Dr. Patrick Lett because of his contributions to the Biology Department and his long-time support of biology graduate students here at Dalhousie. Dr. Lett has had a very positive influence on the lives of many graduate students here, and aid from the Patrick F. Lett Graduate Students Assistance Bursary (sometimes called the “Lett Fund”) has enabled many students to complete their degrees by providing financial resources when other means of support were unavailable.
 
In May 2008 Dr. Lett was invited to the first Lett Biology Graduate Student Symposium where we were able to formally recognize and honor his contributions to the department with a plaque presented to him during the luncheon.

About Dr. Patrick Lett

Dr. Patrick Lett received a B.Sc. in Biology and Mathematics from the University of Guelph, and subsequently a Ph.D. in Biology at Dalhousie in 1979. In May of 1992, Dr. Lett was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Law from Dalhousie. Dr. Lett has been active in Biology, Finance, and Applied Mathematics.

The Lett Fund

In 1992, Dr. Lett established the Patrick F. Lett Graduate Students Assistance Bursary to provide further funding opportunities for biology graduate students. Its purpose is to assist biology graduate students in financial need either in emergency situations or with the loss of previous sources of support. Awarded bursaries can be used to support the student's research, living expenses, tuition, books, lodging and travel that relates to his or her research. The criterion is need. Application forms and guidelines are emailed to all graduate students several times a year and are available in the Biology Department Main Office. Many graduate students in our department have completed their degree thanks to Dr. Lett’s generous support.