Schulich Leader Haleema Khan brings a scientific approach to the world of consulting
What do science and consulting have in common? Everything, according to Haleema Khan (BSc 2020 VIC).
A year ago, Khan — a 2016 Schulich Leader who holds a BSc in neuroscience and psychology from Victoria College at the University of Toronto and an MEng in bioengineering from McGill University — joined Deloitte as a consultant focused on public sector transformation.
To Khan, the transition from the lab to the boardroom made complete sense.
“I’ve always been intrigued by how complex things work and how to solve complex problems, which led to my interest in science from a young age,” she says. “When I graduated from my master’s program, I wanted to continue on this wave of tackling big, complex problems and working with collaborative teams. That’s when I thought of consulting.”
At Deloitte, the largest consulting firm of its kind in the world, Khan works primarily with a team dedicated to improving equity and accessibility within the human and social services sector — an area that has long been close to her heart.
“Throughout my education, volunteer initiatives and professional life, I’ve always been interested in working to empower people who are the most marginalized in our communities,” she says. “That’s who I’m ultimately trying to make a difference for, whether that’s through scientific research or consulting on system change.”
From newcomer to Schulich Leader
Khan’s interest in helping people is deeply rooted in her own story. After moving to Canada with her family from Pakistan at age five, she watched her father — an engineer by trade — work a series of part-time jobs, from gas stations to convenience stores, to help the family get established.
From Saskatchewan to Timmins to Niagara Falls, where her family eventually settled, Khan’s parents worked hard to overcome obstacles and build a new life in Canada.
That’s why, when it came time to apply to university, Khan wanted to show her gratitude by finding a way to cover the cost of her education.
Enter the Schulich Leader Scholarships.
Established through the Schulich Foundation by businessman Seymour Schulich in 2012, the Schulich Leader Scholarships are widely considered Canada’s most coveted awards for students pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Valued at $100,000 each for science, technology and math programs and $120,000 each for engineering programs, the scholarships are awarded to just 100 high school students across Canada each year — including 10 attending the University of Toronto.
For Khan, being named a Schulich Leader not only relieved the financial burden of pursuing a post-secondary education, but allowed her to follow her dual passions for science and social impact.
A new world opens up
From engaging in memory and perception research alongside Dr. Morgan Barense, who became an invaluable mentor, to a summer internship investigating infant cognition at Harvard University and even a stint as a campus tour guide, Khan took full advantage of the unique opportunities available for learning and connection during her time at U of T.
She also engaged deeply with her fellow Schulich Leaders, attending events and conferences hosted by the Schulich Foundation and participating in mentorship programs as both a mentor and mentee.