The Ontario Energy Network is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2026 scholarships. The winners are all very impressive and many of them are clearly pursuing an exciting career in the energy sector – quite likely with an OEN member!
First, we are pleased to announce a repeat winner, as the 2024 winner of the Indigenous Energy scholarship, Joseph Weston, an Engineering student at the University of Calgary, has been recognized with a Special OEN Scholarship. This year’s winner of the Dr. Ron Oberth Advanced Energy Studies Scholarship, sponsored by Bruce Power, is Dorian Charette, a second-year Masters of Earth & Energy Resources Leadership student at Queen’s University. The OEN Sustainable Development Scholarship, sponsored by Alectra, has been awarded to Isaac Poirer-Hanniman, a second-year year Carlton University Engineering student. Our Women in Energy Scholarship winner, sponsored by the OEB, is Caren Eissa, a fifth-year Ontario Tech University Computer Science student. The OEN Indigenous Energy Scholarship, sponsored by the IESO, has been awarded to Dallas Benedict, a second-year Electrical Technician student at St. Lawrence College. Sarah Li, an Engineering student at the University of Toronto, receives the OEN-Bruce Power Nuclear Studies Scholarship.
All of our scholarship recipients have been invited to a future OEN networking event, where we can publicly recognize them for their achievements!
Joseph Weston – 2026 OEN Special Scholarship (sponsored by the OEN) The recipient of a Special 2026 OEN Energy Scholarship, and a repeat winner, is Joseph Weston, a fifth-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering student at the University of Calgary. Joseph is a member of the Miawpukek community in Conne River, Newfoundland, although he was born and raised in Cochrane Alberta. Joseph is very interested in zero and low carbon electricity generation. Upon graduation he hopes to work in the Ontario nuclear sector with OPG or Bruce Power. Based on his experience working in the sector, he says he will assess whether he should proceed to an advanced degree. In his spare time, Joseph’s hobbies include digital music production, electronics, photography and weightlifting
Dorian Charette – 2026 OEN-Dr. Ron Oberth Advanced Energy Studies Scholarship (sponsored by Bruce Power)
The 2026 OEN-Dr. Ron Oberth Advanced Energy Studies Scholarship, awarded to a student pursuing an advanced degree and sponsored by Bruce Power, is Dorian Charette. Dorian is a second-year Masters of Earth & Energy Resources Leadership student. His strength is communications and he takes pride in bridging technical work with public understanding, stakeholder relationships, and community trust. Dorian is Chapter President of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and a member of North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN). He is also on the Publications Team of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Canada.
Isaac Poirer-Hanniman – 2026 OEN Sustainable Development Scholarship (sponsored by Alectra)
Isaac Poirer-Hanniman, a second-year year Carlton University Engineering student, has been awarded the 2026 Sustainable Development Scholarship, sponsored by Alectra. At Carlton, Isaac’s program is “’Sustainable and Renewable Engineering’ Stream A: Smart Technologies for Power Generation.” In addition to his studies, Isaac is the President of a tutoring company called Growthbound Services. In his free time, he also does strength training and works as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Isaac says, “as the world continues to shift towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources, I want to be there to help chart the path.” Isaac’s goal is to be the lead engineer on a design team for some kind of energy related technology, developing the next generation of renewable and sustainable energy.
Caren Eissa – 2026 OEN Women in Energy Scholarship (sponsored by the OEB)
The recipient of the 2026 Ontario Energy Network Women in Energy Scholarship, sponsored by the Ontario Energy Board, is Caren Eissa, a fifth-year Ontario Tech University Computer Science student. Caren’s student employment at Hydro One has given her valuable insight into how technology supports reliable electrical systems and serves communities across Ontario. She is motivated by the opportunity to apply innovative technologies to modernize infrastructure, enhance reliability, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Caren is the Founder and President of the CI Tech Engineering Club and also serves as Director of Website Design for the Engineering Society at the university.
Dallas Benedict – 2026 OEN Indigenous Energy Scholarship (sponsored by the IESO)
The recipient of the 2026 Ontario Energy Network Indigenous Energy Scholarship, sponsored by the IESO, is Dallas Benedict, a second-year Electrical Technician student at St. Lawrence College. Dallas is from Akwasasne and he is interested in pursuing a trade apprenticeship with OPG or as an electrician. Dallas likes to support his community and takes pleasure in helping his grandfather. He says he wants to “build a stable, hands-on career that allows me to develop technical skills and contribute to essential services – ultimately, I want to use my training to support my community by helping maintain safe, reliable infrastructure and being someone others can depend on.”
Sarah Li – 2026 OEN-Bruce Power Nuclear Studies Scholarship (sponsored by Bruce Power)
The winner of the 2026 OEN-Bruce Power Nuclear Studies Scholarship is Sarah Li, a second-year University of Toronto engineering student. Sarah credits her father, an Electrical Engineer, for inspiring her to pursue engineering studies. She has worked as an Intern with Kinectrics, where she was excited to hear industry leaders announce advancement of the “Bruce C” expansion. Sarah enjoys participating in computer hackathons and was co-founder of monthly coding competitions at her high school. At university, she is a member of the Electrical Team for RSX (Robotics for Space Exploration). Sarah has volunteered to support a long-term-care resident at a retirement home, engaging in conversations in Mandarin. She is particularly interested in pursuing career opportunities within Ontario’s nuclear industry.
On behalf of Ontario Energy Network, our members, sponsors and supporters,
congratulations to all of our 2026 OEN Scholarship Program winners.
We wish all of our applicants continued success in their studies!