Only four short weeks after graduating, 25-year-old Margot Durling is already racking up recognition as one of Atlantic Canada's leading young designers.

At a gala celebration Thursday, May 25, Durling, who graduated last month with a Bachelor of Design (Honours in Communication Design) from NSCAD University, was presented with an Outstanding Young Canadian (OYC) Award from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Halifax, a worldwide organization of young leaders and entrepreneurs. The award program aims to recognize individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify the best attributes of the world's young people.

"I'm honoured that NSCAD nominated me, and thrilled that I won," says Durling. "Having met the other award recipients, I'm humbled to be included in this amazing group of people. Their accomplishments are unbelievable."

The chamber selects one OYC award winner annually in each of the following five categories: achievement, accomplishment, contribution, innovation and leadership. In recognition for her contributions to the advancement of science, medicine and technology through the creation of new products, Durling was presented with the innovation award.

"As a member of the judging panel, I was very impressed with Margot Durling's drive to make things happen for herself and her innovative spirit," said Jason McQuaid, President of JCI Halifax. "By recognizing her achievements, JCI hopes to inspire other young Atlantic Canadians to pursue their ambitions right here in Atlantic Canada."

A native Haligonian, Durling's work focuses on product design for health and well-being. While at NSCAD, one of her major contributions to the field included the Ambulator, designed in collaboration with fellow student Heba Bader, medical staff and patients at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, and NSCAD instructor Carlo Testa. The Ambulator, a patient transfer belt intended to alleviate the risk of injuries, is designed to offer improved safety and comfort to patients, while also maintaining essential ergonomic principles to allow for ease of use by medical professionals.

For her thesis, Durling further developed the belt using theories of biomechanics. Working with NSCAD Assistant Professor of Design, Glen Hougan, she collaborated with health care professionals in local nursing homes to make the belt more user-friendly and visually appealing, advancing a new approach to health care product design, which has traditionally focused on pure function alone, aesthetics being mostly accidental. The new belt has emotive appeal and is friendly in nature, providing a more pleasant experience for what can sometimes be perceived as a daunting and safety critical task.

Durling adds this award to her steadily growing list of scholarships and accomplishments. She was also recently featured on the cover of Progressive Choices Magazine as on of Canada's leading
young businesswomen to watch. Durling says she hopes her career continues to unfold with the same success. She says she would gladly take on any great opportunities no matter where in the world they might be, but adds: "Ideally, I would love to find a challenging career in product design for health and wellness right here in Halifax."

NSCAD University is Canada's premier university dedicated to advancing the visual arts through education, research and production. Part of Nova Scotia's cultural landscape since 1887, NSCAD has offered graduate and undergraduate degrees in fine and media arts, craft and design for more than 30 years. NSCAD alumni are among Canada's most highly regarded artists, gallery directors, designers, curators and art educators. Find out more at www.nscad.ca.