Meet Lisa Bertolo
Lisa Bertolo graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Chemistry from the University of Guelph in 2010 and earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Guelph in 2015. She is currently a Research Scientist at EIDCA Specialty Products Company. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading! She loves to send and receive postcards and she is a member of a postcard exchange network. She has received so many lovely messages from countries around the world.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I've always been curious, even as a little girl. I imagine that was probably quite stressful for my parents, and likely what motivated them to get me interested in reading as soon as possible. Through books, I was able to see volcanoes (from a safe distance), learn about mummification in Ancient Egypt, and developed a completely understandable fear of Velociraptors ("Jurassic Park" did not improve my aversion). I think I really got locked into the STEM path after attending a few weeks of summer camp run by the engineering department at McMaster University. After that, I was absolutely certain I wanted to be an engineer. At least until I met the new high school Chemistry teacher. She made Chemistry fascinating in ways I hadn't ever seen before (sorry Bill Nye). From demonstrations to fun facts to exam questions, she always found a way to make everything we were learning tangible in the real world. It was always going to be STEM, but choosing Chemistry specifically was a game-time decision.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part about working in STEM - for me, specifically, working in science - is that there are always new challenges to be surmounted. Whether it's improving current technologies or innovating for tomorrow, there is always more to explore and more to learn. I find that in my day-to-day, I am constantly learning not only through reading but also through doing... and I love a good challenge!
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
You are so much more than your research or your degree. It's very easy to believe that all the knowledge you've gathered while studying or researching is the sum of your accomplishments when it comes time to graduate or change occupations. Beyond that knowledge, however, is a solid skill set you've been developing for yourself, likely without being aware it is evening happening. Those skills - time management, equipment operation, record-keeping, organization - are tools you can most certainly apply in other contexts. Don't be afraid to step off of one path you've been walking and use your skills to conquer a new path - you can do it!