When I was an undergraduate, I sculled my way into a new major — and onto a different career path. When I matriculated into McGill University, I started off in biochemistry and joined the rowing team. Two chemical-engineering student rowers introduced me to their programme during trips to competitions, and I decided to transfer to engineering.

After graduating, I worked as a junior process engineer for an engineering consultancy. A year later I returned to McGill for a master's degree, aiming to specialize in crystallization and learn project management. I was enthralled by the experience, but returned to industry.

A year later, I began to miss figuring out new phenomena, testing ideas in the lab and tutoring undergraduate students. I reflected on a paper I stumbled across during my master's that discussed the fabrication of ceramic bone biomaterials. I wondered if I could apply my knowledge to designing biomaterials for bone. With the reported mobility issues of the ageing population, I thought it would be motivating and inspiring to join a research team in this field. I was not sure if I could handle a second, longer, pay cut. I was more sure that I would regret it if I did not give it a try.