Faces of WISEST: Michaella Chemello

After being accepted to the WISEST Summer Research Program (SRP) in 2015, my career path changed from wanting to become a teacher to wanting to become an engineer. Growing up, I was set on becoming a teacher – I was never really exposed to engineering, let alone anything in the STEM fields.  While working in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering during my time in the SRP, I  was introduced to a world of math and science with real-life applications. I knew that engineering was the path I wanted to pursue. I wanted to become a teacher to help impact and better the lives of others;  however, the WISEST SRP taught me I could do just that. I could become an engineer and make a  difference in people’s lives using math and science – something I never really thought about before.  

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, specializing in Transportation and Structural  Engineering at the University of Alberta, I am now an Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) working at Fluor Canada in the Civil/Structural Department. My goal in life is still to positively impact the lives of others through innovation and engineering as well as encourage and introduce young females to STEM fields. Although I am still early on in my career with hopes of obtaining my P.Eng. one day, the WISEST SRP  introduced me to something I would have never been exposed to otherwise, and for that, I am forever grateful.