Chemical Engineering
Calgary, AB

I began my career in the oil and gas industry in Calgary, Alberta, as an Oil Sands Laboratory Technician. I went on to obtain my Chemical Engineering Technology diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. After advancing my career in a variety of production engineering, environmental and regulatory compliance roles as a Certified Engineering Technologist, I attended Lakehead University’s Chemical Engineering program as part of the unique transition program for college Engineering Technology graduates.

I am grateful for all of the resources and clubs at Lakehead University. It was through the support of the Aboriginal Cultural and Support Services, LUNSA (Lakehead University Native Student Association) and the Disability Services that I was able to succeed in my studies.

The opportunity to become involved in university activities such as the Engineering Student Society, GoEngGirl and LUNSA were all outlets for me and an exciting and rewarding break in a demanding program. As a mother of three, I was also grateful for the amazing onsite daycare, Nanabijou.

I am now the Manager of Pipeline Sustainability for WorleyParsons Canada, a Global Engineering, Procurement and Construction firm. In my spare time, I enjoy speaking to First Nations youth on careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Debbie Balika not only has the distinction of being a member of Lakehead Orillia’s charter class, but as a graduate student, she represents the most enduring student at the Orillia campus. Balika, of Barrie, Ont. is enrolled in the Master of Science in Biology program, along with Sheri O’Connor. They represent the first graduate students at the campus.

 Like O’Connor, Balika came to Lakehead with the intention of becoming a schoolteacher, but along the way, both students took advantage of opportunities that led to their current status as grad students. As Balika says, “I just seem to keep walking through open doors; as Lakehead opens them, I walk through them.”

 Before enrolling at Lakehead when the Orillia campus opened six years ago, Balika worked as a pharmacy technician in a retail environment. “I found myself a single parent and needed to change my career,” explained Balika. With two young children, she found that working in retail was a challenge.

 Realizing that she needed further education, Balika enrolled at Georgian College with the goal of becoming an educational assistant.  It was during her first co-op placement that the first in a series of “open doors” began to emerge. 

 “My supervisor at Georgian had graduated from Lakehead in Thunder Bay and knew about the opening of the Orillia campus. She encouraged me to pursue my degree and become a teacher – I followed her advice!”

 Following her third year at Lakehead, Balika applied for and accepted a summer position as a researcher with the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies/Biology. She worked as part of a team of eight students who worked with Professors Sree Kurissery and Nanda Kanavillil on a number of projects related to water quality.

 Kurissery, who is Balika’s master’s supervisor, could see the potential in Balika as an academic researcher and teacher right away. “Debbie was highly committed and dedicated to her projects and naturally took on a leadership role with the group,” noted Kurissery. “In her second summer with us, she was outstanding as a mentor to the junior students  – this mentorship ability is important in an academic setting.”

 Following her research experience, Balika knew she wanted to continue her studies in biology. “Everything made sense that summer,” says Balika. “I have always loved the outdoors and now I felt that I could help look after our environment, not only from a recreational point of view, but from a research perspective.” 

Balika expressed her interest to Kurissery, thinking that it wouldn’t be possible to pursue her master’s at Lakehead in Orillia. “Too bad I couldn’t do a master’s degree here,” she said, and Kurissery responded with, “Oh, but you can!” Another door opened and Balika entered. Following her graduation from Lakehead in 2011 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science/Bachelor of Education, Balika embarked on her Master of Science in Biology studies.

The topic of Balika’s master’s thesis is related to one of the projects she worked on as a summer researcher, which focused on the ecology of biofilms. 

“My study focuses on the monitoring of inland water qualities,” explains Balika. To conduct her research, Balika collects attached microalgae by suspending glass slides and small pieces of rocks into the water at three sampling sites along the shores of northern Lake Simcoe. She then examines the organisms under a microscope in order to identify the microalgae. Her findings will lead to further investigation of the changes in water quality.

 Balika admits that as a mature student, going back to school can be intimidating. “It was especially encouraging to discover supportive professors who are so good at guiding and pushing me to be better. Most of the professors at Lakehead are like this; they help you to be the best student you can be.” She adds, “They say it takes a village to raise a child; it takes a Lakehead village to raise a graduate student.”

Master of Science Biology
Barrie, ON

"I am enrolled in the Master of Science in Biology program and represent the first graduate students at the campus. Before enrolling at Lakehead when the Orillia campus opened six years ago, I worked as a pharmacy technician in a retail environment. I found myself a single parent and needed to change my career. With two young children, working in retail was a challenge.

I enrolled at Georgian College with the goal of becoming an educational assistant. My supervisor at Georgian had graduated from Lakehead in Thunder Bay and knew about the opening of the Orillia campus. She encouraged me to pursue my degree and become a teacher - I followed her advice!

I feel lucky to be here at Lakehead. I have received so much support from my professors, fellow students and staff. It was especially encouraging to discover supportive professors who are so good at guiding and pushing me to be better. The professors at Lakehead help you to be the best student you can be. They say it takes a village to raise a child; it takes a Lakehead village to raise a graduate student."

Bachelor of Arts & Science, Bachelor of Education
Shelburne, ON

I was looking for a concurrent program, which will allow me to complete my teachers training; therefore, a program such as Lakehead's was appealing. The atmosphere of the school and the people made me feel welcomed and eased my transition from college. The professors at Lakehead are really knowledgeable and current in their fields. I was motivated to aim high in my academics when I heard one of my professors say, “using words incorrectly undermines your intellectual authority”. I really enjoy my courses: such as Inquiry, where I am challenged to answer my own questions and think outside of the box. I am part of the Power to Change, a Christian group, and also take part in helping the International students on campus. I am able to stay connected with my faith through the group, and also encourage and share my experiences as an ESL student from Japan. I enjoy being in these groups because it has given me opportunity to meet new people allowed me to be of help. I believe Lakehead would prepare me and equip me to be a confident teacher. As an aspiring teacher, it is good to have different experiences along with in-depth knowledge of my field I will be working in; Lakehead provides both the academics and the skills as a teacher to be the best they can be.  

Mathematics / Concurrent Education

Classical probability is what we think of when we think about statistical chance. However, there are limitations to the theory, such as its inability to be able to deal with matrices and other non-commutive variables. Mathematics researcher Dennis Stauffer explains, “Commutation means that the order doesn’t matter – 3 times 5 is the same as 5 times 3. However, with matrices, the order does matter, you get a different answer if you multiply A times B than if you multiplied B times A. As a result, classical probability theory can’t be used.” He goes on to talk about the theory of free probability, which doesn’t have this limitation. “My project with [Mathematical Sciences] Prof. Viola was to understand the theory of free probability and a proof of its free central limit theorem,” he says. “This theory is not a traditional probabilistic/statistical field, so it’s not taught in traditional mathematics or statistics courses.”

Thunder Bay
Honours Bachelor of Commerce

Entering my very first class at Lakehead was somewhat nerve-racking, and I felt fairly intimidated by the professor all suited up ready to lecture. However, the professor was very welcoming, extremely knowledgeable and interesting to listen to, and the students in the class opened up very quickly. My very first course was the first of many to really capture my attention, challenge me and grow my knowledge.

I can honestly say Lakehead University is life changing and adds substantially to who we are as individuals. At this point, for me, just walking around campus is filled with memories of success, and strong feelings of accomplishment that I am very delighted to be able to carry with me for life. I’m becoming exactly who I want to be, and Lakehead University is right there to help pave the path. To top it all off, I hope to participate in Lakehead’s co-op program, and I plan to help Lakehead out through the volunteer program before completion of my degree.

I chose lakehead because it had the degree program I was interested in (business marketing), and I stuck with it because the courses were very challenging, interesting, and the faculty was very knowledgeable, caring and helpful. 

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
Thunder Bay, ON

Entering my very first class at Lakehead was somewhat nerve-wracking, and I felt fairly intimidated by the class size and professor all suited up ready to lecture. However, the professor was very welcoming, extremely knowledgeable and interesting to listen to, and the students in the class opened up very quickly. My very first course was the first of many to really capture my attention, challenge me and grow my knowledge. Now that I’m approaching the end of my HBComm degree, I can honestly say Lakehead University is life changing and adds substantially to who we are as individuals. At this point, for me, just walking around campus is filled with memories of success, and strong feelings of accomplishment that I am very delighted to be able to carry with me for life. I’m becoming exactly who I want to be, and Lakehead University is right there to help pave the path. To top it all off, I hope to participate in Lakehead’s co-op program, and I plan to help Lakehead out through the volunteer program before completion of my degree.

I chose Lakehead because it had the degree program I was interested in (business marketing), and I stuck with it because the courses were very challenging, interesting, and the facility was more than knowledgeable, caring and helpful. 

Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
College Transfer Program
Ottawa, ON

Having graduated from Algonquin College’s, Business Administration Finance program, I became a financial advisor for a major bank for a number of years. Feeling unfulfilled in that role, I decided to further my education.  Lakehead University offered an impressive transfer program and an opportunity to study in smaller interactive classroom settings. 

Since the classes are smaller at Lakehead, I was able to build a network of peers and professors in my field.  I really enjoyed being able to meet, discuss and connect on a personal level with those around me. Without a doubt this network helped my career. One of my professors approached me, and during a chat he suggested an area of industry he felt that I might be interested in, given that he knew of my interests in both business finance and my personal interests. This was the defining moment of my Lakehead experience. I am now working as a consultant in my desired field (the industry he suggested), and excited to continue to advance my career in that area.  

I understand that employers are looking for more than just my degree and grades; they’re also looking for my involvement in student life. In my final year, my friend and I started a competition that got a lot of students competing for cash prizes, and had a major bank come in and meet with students to recruit. I’m pleased to say that at this point we directly helped 3 students receive professional jobs from that one employer alone!

Lakehead isn't just going to school, it’s an experience. It is a place where I was able to try new things, meet new people, and have a great time.  

Nurse Practitioner Program, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Winnipeg, MB

My decision to register at Lakehead was originally determined simply based on my relocation to the city. My husband grew up in the small town of Marathon, and much of his family was in the Thunder Bay area. Upon his University graduation from Brandon University, which is where we met, he hoped to return home to be closer to family. Once relocating, I did some research into Lakehead University, and quickly realized Lakehead was the place for me to continue my own studies.  There was support from the beginning to guide me through the application process, and all of my questions were answered in a timely fashion, making the transfer easy.

I entered into the Compressed Bachelor of Science Nursing Program, and it didn’t take long for me to feel that this was going to be a great ride. The program had excellent professors and instructors, a continuous stream of support and guidance right up to the Director of Nursing, and the quality of education was worth every long night spent studying in the library.  Prior to finishing my undergrad, I knew my next educational journey would also start and finish at Lakehead. 

After graduation from my undergrad in 2011, I worked fulltime as a Surgical Registered Nurse at the TBRHSC. I became involved in Lakehead University’s Nursing Program by teaching the Clinical Skills practice lab for the next two years, as well as Clinical Instructing at the TBRHSC with 2nd, 3rd and 4th year nursing students. While doing clinical teaching and nursing, I began full-time studies in my Master’s program in 2013, and then proceeded to take the Nurse Practitioner program in 2014, which I will complete this July. 

Lakehead prepared me for my Graduate studies by offering quality education, taught by some of the best in the field. Having the opportunity to work along side some of these academics has allowed me to fulfill some of my own career aspirations, to work at a University level, in a field I wish to work in for decades to come. As a Nurse Practitioner, I wish to work in a Family Practice and Acute care setting, particularly specializing in wound and trauma care.

There were a great variety of courses and topics covered, for which enlightened and created a well-rounded nursing student, for which I am most proud to have been a part of. It has been years since I was a first year nursing student, but I still receive the same friendly greetings, support and nursing love from the faculty when I walk through; many still remember my name. That is Lakehead University for you.

This graduate program that I am about to finish will not be my last, and I am certain to find myself at the front steps of Lakehead University in the near future. I can’t imagine attending anywhere else. 

Master of Arts in Sociology, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Thunder Bay, ON

I initially chose to attend Lakehead University for my Undergrad, because I wanted to stay in Thunder Bay. However, through the years the University became almost a home to me. I had built a rapport with my faculty and many other members of the student support staff and couldn’t think of a better fit for myself when it came time to choose a school for my Graduate studies.

Over the course of my academic career with Lakehead University, my life was greatly impacted by many professors in my own faculty and from other programs. I am grateful to have had such wonderful professors to guide me through times of difficulty and uncertainty, to help me create a solid academic strategy to keep me on the academic/career path that was right for me, and especially to those who advocated for me. One such time I felt a specific impact was when one professor told me at a career fair in the Agora, that I should follow through with my Master’s degree, because she thought I was talented, intelligent and had a lot of potential I may not have realized at the time. She then offered to write me a recommendation letter and offered to be a reference for me on my resume. She also advised me to do a thesis instead of a research paper, as she thought I would be a good candidate for PhD programs in the future. Without her vote of confidence and the support of other faculty members, I may not have thought I was capable of my achievements that eventually followed.

Through my years at Lakehead University I found myself continually inspired by my faculty, other professors, staff and my classmates. I feel privileged to have had these fine people participate in my life long learning and the establishment of my career in Education. I will forever have fond memories of those inspirational individuals and gratitude for the opportunity to tap their wealth of knowledge and experience, as they have given me something of real value to take into my career.

Without my experience with Lakehead University I would not be where I am today. I am on track for a long career in Education with the goal of teaching in higher education and continuing research. Currently I am employed full time with Sioux Hudson Literacy Council’s Good Learning Anywhere Program as an Online Educator. In my current work I employ a great deal of my skillset gained in Graduate Studies at Lakehead to learn about current Aboriginal issues and to strategize solutions through the creation of various programs involving literacy and basic skills building and culture centred learning opportunities. I am proud to say that my team and myself have experienced many successes and are motivated to keep serving, adapting and building meaningful learning opportunities for all of our clients. For all of my successes and continued opportunities, I have Lakehead University to thank.