Students

Convocation ‘25: Chenoa Kaufman, Bsc Honors in Molecular & Cellular Biology

Donna McKinnon - 6 June 2025

 

Naturally drawn to the sciences, Chenoa Kaufman had a general idea of the direction she would take in university, but the specific program was still there for her to discover. It didn’t take long for a subject area to resonate with her, and the following year she transferred to the honors program in molecular and cellular biology. Four years later, that initial interest has turned into a passion. 

It wasn’t just academics that motivated Chenoa. She consistently prioritized social and community engagement, in particular the University of Alberta Rotaract Club — an organization dedicated to fostering creating positive, sustainable change. The friendships she forged through these clubs and in the student residences where she lived were her support system and her outlet for the stress of a rigorous schedule — a place to share struggles, laughs and life-long bonds.

“There is a place for everyone here,” she says. “Nothing will be able to replace the memories we shared together in the last four years.”

As her undergraduate degree comes to a close, Chenoa’s hard work has been recognized with a number of prestigious awards, including the Governor General’s Silver Medal, awarded annually to three U of A undergraduate students who achieve the highest academic standing overall. At the faculty level, she has received the Lieutenant-Governor's Gold Medal, awarded to a graduating student from an honors program in the Faculty of Science who has shown the highest distinction in scholarship; and the Sunil Keith Jugdutt Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Science. 

This September, she will begin her master's program, continuing her research into the biology of life — the subject matter that first ignited her imagination years ago — under the supervision of her former undergraduate advisor (and one of her favourite professors), Olav Rueppell.

Congratulations Chenoa!


What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science Honors in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

Starting back in middle and high school, I knew that an education and career in the sciences was the right path for me. I did not, however, know exactly where in the sciences I belonged. This led me to start a bachelor of science degree with an undeclared major so I could explore different classes and types of science in my first year. Following this period, I felt most driven by the broad field of genetics.

For my second year, I thus transferred into the Honors in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) program to pursue this interest. Shortly after starting this program, I felt like it was a good fit for me. MCDB provided me with the space to be challenged, learn immense amounts of information and explore the fields I now have a deep passion for and am going to continue studying in the future.

I chose the U of A because I knew it was a great university and would provide me with a lot of opportunities and connections throughout my degree. After finishing my program, I think it is safe to say that my expectations were exceeded. I am so thankful for the people that helped me get started in university and supported me throughout the entire way. 

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

Most of my favourite memories involve the friends I made in my first and second years. These people have become something like a second family to me, and I will be forever grateful for the Lister and Tamarack Residences for bringing us together. If I had to choose a single favourite memory, it would be winning the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) 2025 Antifreeze on a team with many of my friends. Prior to our winning year, we’d been playing in this UASU event for two years with no luck at winning the top spot. Spending a fun week with some of the people I cherish most was special in itself, but coming out on top made it even more exciting. I cried just a little but when I got to speak at the Antifreeze award ceremony as my team’s captain. These friends are the ones I have laughed with, grown up with beside and found a home within during my degree. Nothing will be able to replace the memories we shared together in the last four years. 

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

I am so thankful to have connected with many amazing professors over the course of my degree. Each in their own way, my favourite professors made me feel seen and connected to my program, classmates and university. I would like to thank three of these professors in particular. First is my research supervisor, Olav Rueppell. Getting into research has changed the course of my degree and future and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to experience undergraduate research in his lab. Next is Nancy Bray, who I had for seminars WRS 104 (Writing Persuasive Arguments) and WRS 210 (Introduction to Professional Communication); and Neil Harris, who I had for BIOL 108 (Introduction to Biological Diversity). Professors Bray and Harris answered my endless questions about course content during my first year, especially making me feel welcome and supported at the university. They went above and beyond by also maintaining their support and encouragement even after my time in their classes ended. Professor Bray in particular was instrumental in helping me achieve my first publication in a student journal during my second year. These professors changed my university experience for the better, and I am very grateful to have crossed paths with them. 

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

Throughout the majority of my degree, I have been an active member of the University of Alberta Rotaract Club, which aims to create impact through leadership and service. In this club, I have participated in many volunteer activities and, in particular, was able to access leadership roles such as camp counsellor at the Rotary Youth Leadership Experience, a four-day camp for youth in Rotary District 5370, and as a summer committee co-lead. From these experiences, I feel that I improved as a leader but also as a person in general because volunteering with the Rotaract Club has increased my self confidence and compassion. I have also been able to take the skills I learned as a volunteer and apply them in other parts of my life. Finally, I got to work with an amazing group of people and really feel like I belonged to an organization that made meaningful differences in our community. It is an honour to be affiliated with the U of A Rotaract Club. 

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

Leading up to and during my degree, I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for the support I received from my family, high school and university, as well as the provincial and national student loans I received, all of which allowed me to focus on my studies. Internally, I experienced some personal challenges such as self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Although it is an ongoing process, I am better at handling these challenges and I am proud of how far I have come.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

My advice for current and future students is to take time to enjoy exactly where you are right now. It feels like my degree ended in the blink of an eye, and while I packed it with friends, volunteering, research, and more, it is sad to think that this experience is coming to an end for me. There is a place for everyone here, and a lot of amazing things going on right now for each of us to experience.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I will be celebrating convocation by spending time with my family and friends! We have plans to enjoy time together and celebrate each of our accomplishments, which I am really looking forward to. This summer, I’m also planning on enjoying the sunshine and spending the evenings after work giving myself a good break after a busy four years. 

What's next after graduation?

After I graduate, I am thrilled to be starting my master’s degree in Olav Rueppell’s Social Insect Lab, the same place I completed my undergraduate research, with funding from the NSERC Canada Graduate Master’s Program Scholarship and with the Walter H Johns Graduate Fellowship. I am especially excited to start this degree because it feels right as the next step in my life. I hope to give back to the people and places that have supported me most throughout my undergraduate degree. I will also be pursuing more volunteering opportunities as I begin  life on campus with a new perspective. I am so thankful for everything this university has given me and I look forward to supporting others as much as they have supported me. 

Chenoa joins fellow medal recipients Rachael Chew (Dean’s Gold Medal in Science), Emily Liu (Gold Medal in Science) and Adrien Lam (Chancellor’s Leadership Medal).