Q&A with Julia Martin

My fascination with science - and a push to make a medical impact - led me from ‘mad scientist’ dreams to pursuing biomedical engineering.

Julia Martin

Third Year Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering

 

Julia is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Julia.

Why Western Engineering?

I am to the strong belief that Engineering is a team sport of a program-whether that be in classes, clubs, or outside of school. Western engineering ensures that every student belongs from day one; the community that surrounds Western is something like no other. There’s something truly special about this program that goes beyond the academics and allows you to grow personally and professionally from the very start- If I was back in senior year tasked with picking a university again, I wouldn’t have chosen any different.

What do you do in your spare time?

If I’m not in class or labs, I can usually be found at the rec center, riding my bike around campus, or working on my astronomy research, something I’ve been passionate about since I was a kid. Anyone who’s ever said balance isn’t possible in Engineering has never met the power of Excel spreadsheets and Google Calendar!

Can you talk about your extracurricular activities at Western?

One of my biggest recommendations to new students is to find something to be passionate about outside of classes-you’re sitting lecture and lab for a big part of the day, so having something to look forward to and provide some work-life balance is super important. Western’s intramurals are a great example, my personal favourite being flag football! Don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone, whether that be Rocketry, Inner-tube Waterpolo, or Engineers Without Borders, trying something new adds to the university experience!

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

Unfortunately, I have yet to find a job posting for ‘mad scientist’, but chemical is probably the closest thing out there. Chemistry is responsible for the make-up of everything around us and layering that with the ability to innovate and improve the world around me made choosing chemical a no-brainer. Throughout first year, it’s important to realize which topics catch your eye, less than what classes you score highest in; upper years will push you to think big, so ensuring that you pick something you’re passionate about makes a big difference. Through my academic career, I’ve had the opportunity to find the intersection between chemical engineering and severe weather resilience through my research with the Canadian Severe Storms Lab and an art exhibit with McIntosh Gallery-the possibilities are genuinely endless!

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

As a huge space nerd, I absolutely loved Project Hail Mary-both the book and the movie. A lot of space-themed movies tend to overlook the scientific facts behind actions or instrumentation, but this movie does a decent job. After a long day of classes, labs, or research, space or science fiction are definitely a go to!

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

I look up to a lot of my friends within the program. Everyone comes with a different background and life experience, and watching everyone learn and find their place within the school and beyond has truly been a privilege. I always love hearing about what they’re learning about in their own classes and trying out new intramurals and clubs together! One of my favourite things about Western is having opportunity to meet so many people from so many backgrounds, who are just as excited about Engineering as I am.