User:Kklass2

Background

Kate Klassen is enrolled in her first year at Western University where she is studying towards an Honours Degree in Integrated Science with a  specialization in Chemistry. Kate also has Ivey AEO status and is in the Scholar’s Elective program, with a focus on research. She was selected as a Western Schulich Leader for Science. Kate is passionate about making a positive difference for the planet and its people through scientific research and innovation.

• Integrated Science, Honours Specialization in Chemistry, 2029 Candidate
• Ivey AEO
• Scholar’s Elective and Scholar’s Publication Writer
• Schulich Leader for Science

Research interests

• Global Sustainability
• Plastic Waste Reduction
• Circular Economy
• Reducing Poverty and Homelessness
• Food Sustainability
• Health Care, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Open Source Sustainable Medical Technology

Honours and Awards

• Schulich Leader Scholarship Winner, 2025, Western University
  • Academic excellence, entrepreneurial-minded, leadership, charisma and creativity
• Lieutenant Governor’s Volunteer Medal, 2025
  • Awarded to a student with significant community service hours, who goes above and beyond
• Governor General’s Academic Medal
  • Awarded to the student who achieves the highest average upon graduating from a secondary school
• Ontario Principals Council Leadership Award, 2025
  • Awarded to a student who exhibits outstanding leadership, and is heavily involved in the school community

Community Engagement

• Lab Volunteer, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
  • Western University, summer 2024
• John F. Wood Summer Leader Symposium, Ivey Business School
  • Western University, summer
• Medway Cares Club
  • Creator, Executive Leader, 2023-2025
  • Encourages youth to become engaged in community service
  • Educates students regarding those who are disadvantaged and various volunteer opportunities
  • Provide an opportunity for youth to serve alongside me
• Student Representative, London Homeless Coalition, 2024-present
• Volunteer, “Met Cares” Meals for the Homeless
  • Metropolitan United Church,  2020-present
• Volunteer, London Mission Store, 2018-2019
• Volunteer, London Food Bank, 2016-2018

Videos

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dWYpmCiYn6bE7cR4X9RB0CtJL8MS8EdM/view

Campus Involvement / In The News

https://news.westernu.ca/2025/09/schulich-leaders/

Publications

Klassen, K. (2026a). Global Sustainability. Uwo.ca. https://uwo.ca/se/thrive/blog/2026/global-sustainability.html

Klassen, K. (2026). The Global Plastic Waste Crisis. Uwo.ca. https://uwo.ca/se/thrive/blog/2026/the-global-plastic-waste-crisis.html

Conferences

• Student Delegate, United Nations World Food Forum
  • October 14-18, 2024, virtual attendee
• Student Delegate, United Nations World Food Forum
  • October 13-17, 2025, virtual attendee