Holy Redeemer student accepted into U of A research position
While many students will be getting summer jobs in and around Edson, there is one student who will have an amazing opportunity with her summer position.
Holy Redeemer grade 11 student Noemi Napoles has been accepted into the Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology Program at the University of Alberta.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” says Napoles, 16, who was one of only 40 students accepted into the Program. “I’m very nervous about it, but it’s an excited kind of nervous.”
The Program is a six-week work placement starting in July where students will work alongside different professors in a variety of research fields including science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Program focusses on inspiring female interest in fields that have historically been dominated by males.
“When I think about that these fields have very few women, I know I have a lot of work ahead of me,” says Napoles. “But I’m taking it one step at a time to get ahead. This is just one of those steps that will get me into what I hope to do as a career.” Her future goals include taking Chemical Engineering at the U of A when she graduates high school in 2019. “This is great way to get some experience.”
To apply for the position, Napoles had to write a personal essay on how she will contribute to the program and how will the experience assist her in the future, as well as submit two letters of reference and her high school transcripts.
“We are very excited that one of our students has been accepted into this Program.” Says Science Teacher Becky Gantz. “This speaks volumes of the effort and positive attitude our students put into their work.”
On top of gaining an incredible experience, the Program is also a paid position. “I love all the sciences,” says Napoles. But when asked which one she loves the most, she said, “Chemistry. It’s so amazing that a lot of times you can’t see something happening, but it’s there. It’s how life is formed.”
In addition, Napoles is excited to meet new people. “These are people who share the same love as sciences as me. So that’s going to be very cool.”
Needless to say, Napoles will have a lot of cool stories to say when she returns to school in September.
If you would like more information on this article please feel free to contact the school at 780-723-7437, visit our website at holyredeemerhigh.ca or join our Facebook page: “Holy Redeemer High School” or our Twitter account: @holyredeemerhig.