Is there a specific area of chemistry you are most passionate about?
Since high school, I have deeply respected the integrative nature of this science. What was once distilled as the pursuit of either physics, chemistry, or biology in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (where I only took chemistry!), being at this university has expanded my knowledge and understanding of the applications of this discipline and the pursuit of science. My purpose for joining this department has not only been fulfilled but exceeded: exploring the scope of chemistry. Having 8 different specialist programs along with the major, minor and focuses, I wanted to learn what branches of chemistry pertain to the medical sciences and particularly therapeutic interventions for autoimmune and immunocompromising diseases.
If asked, I would choose the Pharmaceutical Chemistry program all over again as it thoroughly demonstrates the role of chemistry and more, such as regulatory considerations, formulation science and increasing employment of technology, in the drug discovery and development pipeline. This past year has helped define where my passion lies and what that may mean in my future. Translational research is becoming more apparent in turning medical or research-related observations into potential interventions to improve patient life and expand the pharmaceutical landscape.
What can you tell us about the unique perspective you bring to UofT and Chemistry?
As a student from South Africa, my perspective is shaped by living within healthcare systems marked by both resilience and inequity. My immediate priority is contributing toward research and youth engagement across African countries – grounded in the belief that scientific innovation must increase its inclusion of the continent. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 revealed two things to me: first, that South Africa holds a meaningful voice in global scientific conversations; and second, that there remains an urgent need for a more robust and equitable healthcare system across the continent.
Coming from a region where public and private healthcare systems often exist in stark contrast, I’ve become aware of the social implications of science — particularly how chemistry and pharmaceutical research should be harnessed to drive stronger, more inclusive health outcomes that reach and reflect in underrepresented populations. I believe these fields should sit at the heart of building solutions that address our most pressing health challenges.
Studying in a country like Canada, I carry a sense of responsibility — not only to develop my technical expertise, but to also use that knowledge to encourage innovation and foster health equity in my home country and beyond. I hope to bring to UofT a globally-conscious mindset, shaped by both the resilience of African communities and a belief in chemistry’s potential to tackle diseases that lack definitive cures but continue to burden lives and global systems.
Do you think receiving this scholarship will impact your academic and/or professional goals?
The clear merit in receiving this scholarship is the support it has provided me to pursue research both currently and beyond graduation. However, for me more personally, this scholarship has reinforced the belief that I am capable of striving towards making tangible contributions towards scientific communities.
I am but one person, but to represent the quality of scholarship this department houses brings immeasurable pride in having chosen the University of Toronto and learning from the outstanding faculty and staff we have. By engaging in research, this scholarship is allowing me to recognise whether I belong on the bench, and even further, building curiosity towards what being a senior scientist and even clinician scientist could be (ask me in another 10 years!) at the intersection of chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.
What motivates you to continue striving for excellence?
Knowing that there will be future BIPOC students who will be in the same room and spaces as I have had the privilege to experience and learn from, while learning how to find confidence in claiming the identity of scientist – the ability to take up space in STEM as a whole. Excellence is only as bright as the path it luminates and the people who you can share it with, so I’ll continue to engage with those that I can learn from, grow with, and strive to create new learning opportunities and impact within the previous communities I’ve learnt from and those I am yet to enter.
By Alyx Dellamonica
