Awarded by Research & Development Corporation Newfoundland and Labrador, it is targeted towards full-time students who are pursuing post-secondary education in Newfoundland and Labrador and who are also conducting industry-relevant research in ocean industries.

In David's case, he is researching the use of virtual reality to train for health and safety in the offshore oil and gas sector. The award is selected on the basis of academic achievement, technical merits of the research plan, and relevance to Newfoundland and Labrador's ocean industries.

David was one of 21 recipients announced on Nov. 21. "I am very grateful to have been recognized by RDC. I cannot claim full responsibility for this award however as I have always received a great deal of support and help from my supervisors, professors and others in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation."

David started his undergraduate degree in 2008 and graduated in May 2011 with a bachelor of kinesiology (honours) and as a certified exercise physiologist with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. He began graduate work in September 2011 under supervisors Drs. Duane Button and David Behm. For his thesis, he has also worked with Dr. Scott Mackinnon.

The province's Research and Development Corp has awarded $866,333 in ocean
industries student research awards.