IASL graduate student Beatrice Dragomir recipient of the 2022 IAWA Scholarship Award
The Institute of Air and Space Law is pleased to announce that Ms. Beatrice Dragomir is this year’s recipient of the 2022 International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) Scholarship for McGill University.
Originally from Romania, Beatrice did her undergraduate studies at McGill in Sociology and Political Science, and later obtained an LLM from the University of Edinburgh. Her thesis centred on the European Union’s Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and how its constitutional framework might impact its effectiveness, predominantly as it compares to ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
During her studies, she was also working at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which was her segue into the aviation industry. She recalls encountering volumes of the Annals of Air and Space Law at the IATA legal library, which opened her mind to the complex and ever evolving field of international law governing aerospace activities. Taking part in the McGill Strategic Space Law course further cemented Beatrice’s desire to expand her knowledge of air and space law, and to gain the tools necessary to identify and pursue constructive solutions to these complex issues in these two fascinating fields of study.
“Winning this scholarship has given me a great sense of validation, accomplishment, and encouragement, and I’m very grateful for it,” Beatrice said. “It’s truly reassured me that I’m on the right track to achieve my dreams.”
With this scholarship and with her studies at the Institute, Beatrice would like to play a more active role in improving public knowledge on aviation sustainability and bring the love of flying to the next generation. She would also like to study the constantly evolving field of space law, and the international attempts to legislate an area devoid of State sovereignty. If sustainability is complex in an aviation context, she believes it must be even more so from a space perspective.
“I would also like to apply my studies and new ties to IAWA to become a part of a concerted effort to increase the visibility of air and space law as an academic and professional option”, Beatrice said. “The lack of visibility can be extremely discouraging, particularly to young women who may not see roles for them to fit into”. With this scholarship, she hopes to participate in a connected network of aviation professionals, to inspire young professionals to join aerospace and subsequently help them grow.
“We at the Institute are delighted for and very proud of Beatrice on her achievement in obtaining this important scholarship from our friends at IAWA. We are particularly taken by how she came across us first via our Annals and McGill Strategic Space Law course. This shows that our outreach goes beyond the standard classroom offerings and we hope that her success encourages more young women to consider a career in this exciting field”, IASL Interim Director Donal Hanley said.
The IAWA Scholarship is awarded annually to candidates majoring in law, management, business, or finance and who have a true passion for aviation, and is presented to the most promising women professionals in the field on the basis of merit. She joins an impressive line of female IASL graduates who have received this prestigious scholarship.
Well done, Beatrice!