Many aspects of our daily lives have been changed by COVID-19—including how we study. The instructors and staff in the Faculty of Science have been hard at work this summer to prepare for the Fall 2020 term. While delivery may look different, what remains the same is our strong commitment to an engaging and quality education and experience for our students.
What also remains the same is the amazing drive of our incoming class of students and the passion they have for pursuing their dreams of studying science. Today, we meet just a few members of the incoming class of Fall 2020, recognized for their outstanding achievements during their high school education.
Jessica Hammal and Rajan Maghera are both recipients of Schulich Leadership scholarships, a prestigious award received by 100 students across Canada each year to pursue an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) at top Canadian universities—providing $80,000 to $100,000 in funding.
Connor Watrych was recognized as a 2020 Loran Scholar—a highly competitive awards selection process that focuses on character in addition to academic achievement. The award is valued at $100,000 over four years, tenable at 25 partner universities across Canada.
Join us in welcoming Jessica, Rajan, and Connor—just a few of the amazing students joining the Faculty of Science family this fall. Congratulations!
Jessica Hammal
Jessica Hammal, Schulich Leadership scholarship recipient and incoming first-year Faculty of Science student.
>What program are you enrolling in?
I am enrolled in the bachelor of science general program and am hoping to begin studying neuroscience in my second year.
What led you to pick the University of Alberta for your studies?
I have always known that UAlberta is an amazing school with an inviting university life that also offers a chance for a great post-secondary education. The campus is close to home and to my family, along with my life, work, and friends. I am looking forward to spending the next few years in Edmonton starting a new chapter of life and not having to let go of the good that I have here.
Tell us about your interest in science. What made this the program you wanted to study?
Ever since I could remember, I have been curious about the life around me. I constantly appreciate every detail that I learn concerning the specifics and fundamentals of the world. Science has been rooted within my life for years, and I have always been passionate about someday discovering, understanding and sharing new knowledge. I am beyond excited for my future in STEM, as not only will I be working in a field that I have always loved, but I will get to partake in a future of research, innovation, and advancement for the world.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd received the Schulich Leadership scholarship?
At first I was shocked—to the extent that I couldn't process what I had just been told. I was dumbfounded and couldn't wrap my head around the reality of receiving such a prestigious award. The moment that the phone call ended I began to tear up and took a moment's breath before slowly going to share the news with my father. It truly didn't register with me until everyone began to hear the news and congratulate me. That was when I realized that this wasn't all just a dream.
What are your feelings about starting university? What are you excited about?
Just as many people do, I have mixed feelings about starting university. I am definitely looking forward to starting a new chapter of life and forming new experiences, relationships and memories. I am also very excited about the upcoming change in lifestyle that comes with the jump from high school to university. However, I do feel quite nervous and anxious about such a change. Of course, it will take some time for adjustment but simply seeing such major upcoming change is bound to come with moments of unease. That being said, university will undoubtedly have its ups and downs, but I am confident that the future is bright and I cannot wait to see what it holds.
How have you been spending time during COVID-19?
During COVID-19, I have been spending much more time with my family and with my dog. I have explored many new parts of Edmonton's River Valley in full day excursions and visited countless parks and dog parks. During the quarantine I was able to catch up on reading and music and appreciate the arts much more while working on mastering the guitar.
Rajan Maghera
Rajan Maghera, Schulich Leadership scholarship recipient and incoming first-year Faculty of Science student.
What program are you enrolling in?
I am enrolled in the bachelor of science program with a specialization in computer science. Furthermore, I am planning to apply for the business minor program at the end of my first year.
What led you to pick the University of Alberta for your studies?
There were many reasons; for one, I was drawn in by the research being done here, especially in computer science and specifically artificial intelligence. It was both my father’s and sister’s alma mater, my father also completing a bachelor of science specializing in computing science. In high school, I had the privilege to get involved with the UAlberta community and absolutely loved the energy and excitement of the campus! I was also born and raised in Edmonton, so fortunately, attending the school is quite convenient.
Tell us about your interest in science. What made this the program you wanted to study?
My early childhood was mostly spent tinkering around with any piece of technology I could get my hands on. I was so intrigued by all the things that my early 2000’s computer could do at the time, and would spend my time messing with all the settings, trying out Linux distributions, or just coding. In recent years, I became invested in all fields of science and leadership while sustaining a programming hobby. I was delighted to discover that most fields are being advanced by new technologies related to computer science, so this was the one program that stood out to me.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd received this scholarship?
I couldn’t stop shaking for the entire day! My sleep schedule was all out of whack since all of my classes were just moved online, so the phone call informing me about the scholarship had actually woken me up. It was a literal wake-up call! The rest of the day was surreal as I called and messaged my family, teachers, and staff at my school without whom this would've been impossible.
What are your feelings about starting university? What are you excited about?
I am most excited about niche my classes get to be, so I get to focus on just computer science. A childhood dream of mine has always been working with technology all day long in university, and I am overjoyed that it's finally my reality! Of course, things won't be the same studying from home, but I think we can make the most of it by enjoying the extra time at home that we won't have when we inevitably go back.
How have you been spending time during COVID-19?
A lot of laziness and sporadic remodelling of my room! It’s been a time for relaxing and rejuvenating before life gets more hectic down the road, so I’ve been enjoying it and staying active. More recently, I’ve been working (from home) for a group called I Challenge Diabetes based out of Toronto who focus on providing support and creating opportunities for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Connor Watrych
Connor Watrych, Loran scholar and incoming first-year Faculty of Science student.
What program are you enrolling in?
I am enrolling in the biochemistry honours program.
What led you to pick the University of Alberta for your studies?
It was a combination of a lot of different things that led to me deciding to attend UAlberta. Firstly, it is an absolutely amazing school to study at, and I knew it was somewhere I could receive an excellent education. Secondly, Edmonton is a city I was familiar with and a great place to live as well as being only 10 hours driving from home—in Yorkton, Saskatchewan—so I could still go home for the holidays.
Tell us about your interest in science. What made this the program you wanted to study?
I think what captivates me about science is that it is ever-changing and there are so many new developments occurring in multiple different fields. Some of these developments are going to pave the way for a better future, and having the opportunity to continue learning all of this is what keeps me interested in science. As for studying biochemistry, the part of science that I am most interested in is the human body, cellular life, and the chemistry behind that—so for me, choosing biochemistry was not a hard choice.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd received this scholarship?
I was completely shocked. I remember answering the phone call and I was shaking because I was so nervous and the moment I found out I jumped up and I think I ran a couple of laps around my house just jumping up and down because I couldn't really believe that it was possible.
What are your feelings about starting university? What are you excited about?
I am definitely a little nervous about moving away from home and taking on the challenges of university but I am also looking forward to that challenge because I know it is going to push me to make me a better person and student. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to meet new people and while I am nervous to move away I can't help but feel excited about the prospect of living on my own.
How have you been spending time during COVID-19
I spent the first part of my COVID-19 lockdown finishing up my Grade 12 year virtually as well as preparing for and writing my Advanced Placement Exams. In the second half of COVID-19 I have been enjoying the outdoors—going to the lake and working at the pool as a lifeguard.