Faces of WISEST: Hamdi Ali

I participated in the WISEST 2018 Summer Research Program (SRP) and in September 2019, I started my undergraduate degree in Honours Biochemistry at the University of Alberta. It's been just over two years since the best summer of my life, the one that changed the trajectory of my life in ways that are hard to describe. I applied to the SRP because it was a chance to explore and learn about a whole world in STEM that seemed out of reach to me. 

As part of the SRP I was placed in Dr. Graham Pearson’s lab in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences and my project was to test a new piece of equipment in its ability to crush and fragment rock; the rock, just so happened to contain diamonds. The success of my research led to new partnerships with industry and new discoveries about the nature of diamonds in different rocks. As a high school student, I never thought I'd be presenting at conferences, submitting my research to scientific journals, or even winning prizes at science fairs. These opportunities would not have been possible without WISEST. 

I was also able to use my experience with the SRP and the network I created during that summer to apply for scholarships.  My supervisor wrote me an amazing reference letter for scholarships, which has allowed me to secure almost $100,000 towards my university education, including awards from University of Alberta, TD Community Leaders Scholarship, and the Horatio Alger scholarship.

My SRP experience was unique, not all students produce results that get presented at conferences or published, but the program is so much more than the lab results. What is true for all participants is the development of our confidence, embracing our abilities and capabilities, and learning that we all deserve a seat at the table even when we are in the minority. My summer experience was truly life-changing and I recommend WISEST to any girl, to find a pathway to their dreams and the confidence to follow it.