Meet Alexa Dupol
Alexa Dupal will graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Guelph in 2020. In her free time, Alexa enjoys sprint kayaking. Her love for the sport brought her to compete in two national championships as well as several regional and provincial competitions. Her training for sprint kayak got her involved in swimming, which she also took interest in. She was part of her high school swim team in both 11th and 12th grade and she still enjoys swimming to this day.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love for science began when I was in high school where I was first introduced to the field of chemistry. In my 10th Grade science class, I was introduced to chemistry and I immediately excelled in the subject and it captured my interest right from the start. Soon after that, I began researching different career paths in chemistry and took immense interest in the pharmaceutical field. These interests have stayed with me throughout my undergraduate degree and I am very excited to use these studies to build my career.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part about working in the field of STEM is overcoming any challenges that you are presented with. Being able to work past challenges provides you with a level of confidence that is insurmountable. The feeling of accomplishment that is gained when completing a task which seemed near impossible is one of the best feelings in the world and I love that my career path will present me with these challenges on a regular basis.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
My advice to any young women interested in the field of STEM would be to never let anyone tell you that you aren't smart enough to make it in your chosen path. My high school physics teacher told me that I was not smart enough to complete a degree in the health sciences field and should choose a different field of study. Entering my first year of university, I was very nervous having to take physics given my past experience with my high school teacher. However, through dedication and hard work, I was able to finish first year physics with over 80% in the class and this year I will be graduating from the Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry program at the University of Guelph. Had I listened to my high school physics teacher, I would have changed my career path and would not be studying what I am truly passionate about My words to any young women would be: if you put in the effort you can accomplish anything, despite what others may tell you.