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Heidi M. Scott, a cherished member of the Queen’s University community and daughter of Neal and Chris Scott, sadly passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 27. In her memory, Heidi’s parents have created the Heidi Scott Memorial Graduate Award, with an initial pledge by her family, to honour her passion for biomedical science and research.

“We were thinking about ways to elevate her contributions,” says Dr. Neal Scott, an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning. “Heidi always liked to help people - she was a mentor to undergraduate students, and worked at to give young people the opportunity to explore nature.”

Heidi was studying why some people become very sick when infected with viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, whereas other people do not. She focused on an immune protein called TLR4, which is associated with an inflammatory response during severe viral disease. Heidi was investigating how viral components activate TLR4 and the impact of TLR4 genetic variability.

Both Neal and Chris say that after Heidi tragically passed, they immediately tried to think of something to honour their daughter – her compassion, her caring, her spirit. They agreed this award would be a lasting way to preserve her name and her contributions.

“The response has been overwhelming,” Neal says. “We suggested two things people could contribute to following her death. We had many donations to the organization, and to this new award.”

Heidi had a service dog, so Kingston 4 Paws was important to her.

When asked what type of student would be deserving of this award, her parents use words like hard-working, compassionate, and resilient, which is how Heidi lived her life. “We are looking for students who want to make a difference,” Chris says.

Neal adds his daughter was also a talented artist. Heidi designed and sold cards for Kingston 4 Paws to help raise money for training of more service dogs. “I don’t know how many thousands of dollars she raised selling cards” her parents said. “This is another example of her talent, and her desire to do good things.”

To learn more about and donate to the visit the webpage. .