Education

2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG Megan Rutherford's journey to quantum chemistry started in a roundabout way. After initially declaring as a biochemistry major, she took time off school to travel and work with exploited youth in Manitoba. She returned to UWinnipeg and took a course in atoms, molecules and spectroscopy. "This introductory course in quantum chemistry opened my eyes to an entirely different way of viewing the world," said Rutherford. "It was then that I gained valuable laboratory experiences as I took more and more chemistry courses." Following this path allowed her to engage in several high profile research projects as an undergraduate student. In 2017, she took an opportunity to study crystallography and large scale facilities in Grenoble, France. While abroad, she was invited to participate in a two-week internship at the Institut Laue-Langevin, a world-class neutron scattering facility. "These events helped to mould me into the student that I am today, and gave me the tools that I need to pursue a career in a field that I may never have even known about had I not attended The University of Winnipeg," said Rutherford. Raven Rickner had always been interested in people — the way they behave, the way they think and the way they interact. She decided to study psychology at UWinnipeg because it blended her interests in art and science. "For me, psychology is the perfect combination of scientific integrity and human observation," said Rickner. "It's a field that offers so much diversity in a variety of areas. As a result, getting a degree in psychology can consist of so many different disciplines." UWinnipeg's psychology program gives students an interdisciplinary experience, with courses on social, developmental and clinical psychology. "The degree itself forces you to take a variety of courses in these areas so that you can experience psychology in a well-rounded way," said Rickner. Rickner plans to take a year off to work on academic projects and prepare for graduate school. In the future, she's considering a career in industrial- organizational psychology — a field that focuses on workplace productivity and mental well-being among employees. "As an advocate of mental health awareness, I'm incredibly interested in workplace experiences. I think it's important to understand the ways in which people best work happily and effectively in order to create more positive work environments," said Rickner. Kiernan Gange came to UWinnipeg with little direction, but continued taking economics classes because he appreciated his professors' abilities to explain difficult concepts — particularly when it came to his second-year microeconomics class. "(It) was the hardest course I had ever taken," said Gange. "Having such a great and supportive prof in a class that I found so difficult made it possible for me to do well in the class and made me feel proud of myself in a way that I had never experienced." Prior to university, Gange said he rarely put effort into schoolwork. He now appreciates working hard and enjoys pushing himself to improve his writing and mathematical abilities. "I am forever thankful for the faculty at (UWinnipeg) who encouraged me to challenge myself and take difficult courses instead of settling for mediocrity or doing the bare minimum to get by," said Gange. Gange now plans to pursue graduate studies in economics. His main goal is to contribute to research around economic conditions in Indigenous communities in Canada, particularly in regard to poverty and economic outcome gaps. "I want to play my part in the reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities," said Gange. Gange's favourite part of studying at UWinnipeg — aside from his professors and the university's strong sense of community — was being part of an organization that's a positive force in Winnipeg's core. Learn more about UWinnipeg's programs at uwinnipeg.ca. ❚ EDUCATION WITH IMPACT At The University of Winnipeg, students arrive with diverse talents, and leave ready to impact their field — whether in arts, science, business, kinesiology or education. Along the way, they discover how to best utilize their strengths, often leading to unexpected career paths. For three recent graduates — Megan Rutherford, Raven Rickner and Kiernan Gange — the "aha" moment came at different times, but each found success with the help of dedicated faculty, research opportunities and an intimate learning environment. University of Winnipeg graduates (clockwise from top left) Raven Rickner, Megan Rutherford and Kiernan Gange found success with the help of dedicated faculty, research opportunities and an intimate learning environment. Supplied photos "I am forever thankful for the faculty at UWinnipeg who encouraged me to challenge myself and take difficult courses instead of settling for mediocrity or doing the bare minimum to get by."

• Cover