Profile: Ms. Angela Chan (Sci'03)

Balance is the key to success

Angela Chan (Computer Engineering) strives for excellence in everything she does. Among many academic honours, she received the Queen's University Medal for Highest Standing in Graduating Class with a GPA: 4.0 out of 4.0. She is currently studying medicine at Queen's.

Medicine, like engineering is a combination of science - the treatment of illnesses, and art - the often-unexplored human element, says Ms. Chan. Engineering requires logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills, but for an engineering design to truly be successful, a flair for creativity and an understanding of societal impact is essential.

As a student in computer engineering, Ms. Chan was an active learner immersed in the team environment cultivated by the integrated learning curriculum at Queen's. From design projects and group laboratory work to project management courses, she gained skills in leadership, communication and management.

Ms. Chan's work experience to date includes medical student researcher, Obstetrics and Gynecology, KGH where she conducted a detailed analysis of cervical cancer patients treated in the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre and KGH.

As a student representative on the Integrated Learning Centre Development team at Queen's she provided student input on a number of building decisions, and researched curriculum additions as part of the integrated learning initiative. She also proved herself to be a skilled writer when she developed the Integrated Learning Centre web page and written materials.

Ms. Chan has held several leadership roles offering support and direction to first year students including orientation leader to first year medical students during orientation week, Aesculapian Society Services, Queen's Medicine; upper year advisor for several first year engineering students, orientation leader to 25 first year engineering students during orientation week, Engineering Society Services, Applied Science; and campus tour guide for prospective high school students.

After extensive involvement with the Heart and Stroke Foundation she conceived and implemented a program called "Heart to Heart, Peer to Peer" for grades 4-5 students in her community. The program educated students about the benefits of heart-smart lifestyle decisions and commitment to healthy living.

Ms. Chan uses her leadership skills to convey enthusiasm and practice strategy, and to inspire a love for sport as captain of a volley ball team that remains undefeated in the last four championships. In team situations she has learned the importance in understanding the strengths, weaknesses and needs of others. It is this mutual understanding between team members that builds synergy, she says, an element crucial for success within any group.

She also gained leadership experience as an executive member of the following committees during undergraduate education: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Society, Hiring Committee for the Head of ECE, ECE Department Curriculum Committee, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Integrated Learning Centre Student Ambassadors, and Applied Science 2003 Executive.

Among her many academic awards and achievements, Ms. Chan was awarded the 2004 Faculty of Medicine Summer Research Studentship, an award based on academic performance in first year medicine.

Ms. Chan has received numerous athletic awards, was selected to be profiled on the Women in Engineering website and is an accomplished pianist.

"I have a proven track record and I am a well-rounded person," she says. "I know I am gifted. I want to utilize my gifted attributes to help people and to give people hope."