Advisor celebrates grad student’s achievements
The following message was submitted by Veronika Bohac-Clarke, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Edcuation. Veronika was Marc Ross’ graudate supervisor.
August 16, 2011 - Marc Ross, a PhD student in the Faculty of Education successfully completed and defended his PhD thesis on June 21, 2011. This date, aside from marking the summer solstice, also marked the 13 year anniversary of the day when Marc broke his neck in a diving accident, leaving him a quadriplegic.
Marc’s search for a ‘life with purpose’ has led him to visit junior and senior high schools in Calgary and talk to students about making life choices. Marc has also been involved with the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion program, again becoming an inspiration and role model to everyone with whom he works. Marc is also an accomplished artist and a musician – many junior high school students remember his rap songs about making good choices in life.
Marc is the most positive person I have ever met, and although physical pain is Marc’s constant companion, he gets up every day and gives life his best shot.
Marc is well known around the Faculty – he has been actively involved in student activities and in representing students on important faculty committees.
Marc had been interested in spirituality for a number of years, investigating connections between spirituality and science, education and healing. Two years ago, Marc inspired a group of student leaders in the Faculty to organize a student-led conference on Integral Education. To everyone’s amazement, Marc was able to secure as keynote speaker Dr. Sean Esbjorn-Hargens from JFK University in California, a leading figure in Integral Education.
Marc conducted his PhD research on the use of biofeedback, with high school students and staff. His thesis is titled: "The evolution of education: Use of biofeedback in developing heart intelligence in a high school setting."
Marc’s video biography, which expresses his philosphy about life and living it to the fullest, can be accessed at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUAq7gXNNHE&feature=related and for more information on his work, visit www.choicemakerz.com
Congratulations, Marc—we’re all so very proud of you.