Interview with Charles Hamilton
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Bio-Medical Science at the University of Guelph?
I am N. Charles Hamilton, and I completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Sciences. I chose to study at the University of Guelph because, from my first interactions with a recruiter and alumni, I felt like I would belong to a community. I wanted to attend a mid-size university. I appreciated the strong reputation of Guelph's life sciences program, and that it was ranked as one of Canada's top comprehensive universities. There were also the rave reviews of food choices on campus, which is important for an international student being far from home.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
I enjoyed the balance of academic and practical courses in my program. In particular, I appreciated the upper-year sciences courses, such as Fundamentals of Nutrition, Human Physiology, Biomedical Communications, and Endocrine Physiology. I was introduced to Dr. Neil MacLusky in my first-year biology class. I thought he was a great professor, and he wound up being a mentor to me in my latter years at U of G. His advice helped me to realize that academics was not the sole indicator of success and that there was so much more to growing as a student and young adult. He challenged me to explore my passions and to identify skills that I could leverage in my professional pursuits. When I was feeling lost, he made me realize that I had so much more to offer our community and our world. I am grateful that he did not hesitate to invest in me, and I pray other students find themselves a professor that will do the same for them
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am currently working in the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas as a Climate Change Advisor.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
My love for sciences was honed during my time at U of G. And I had every intention to attend medical school. However, while enrolling in various courses to obtain my undergraduate degree, I discovered that I had a strong gift: the ability to communicate complicated scientific processes through writing and speeches. This is why I loved upper-year courses in the Biomedical Sciences program. It wasn't just about memorizing for an exam. It was about showing that you understood concepts, that you could speak before and convince a panel of experts and your peers to endorse your ideas, and how to engage in critical thinking.
Combining that skill and a newfound love for student politics, I pursued roles in shaping and communicating policy in the public sector after graduating. That led to me working with the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and for the Government of The Bahamas to establish our equivalent of OHIP (National Health Insurance Bahamas).
Later on, I would lead lobbying activities to encourage the Government to adopt a climate crisis declaration. I was selected to deliver interventions at the 75th United Nations (UN) General Assembly and to the UN Secretary-General and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary at COP25/COY15.
I have also had the privilege to serve as Project Manager to develop several key climate change and health-related reports for The Bahamas, in addition to helping my country to secure millions of dollars in climate finance.
In my current role at The Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, I support The Bahamas in regional and international Climate Change negotiations, advancing climate justice matters, securing climate finance, and identifying opportunities to implement large-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation policies and projects.
The skills I utilize today were formed and developed during my time at U of G.
What advice would you give someone considering the Bio-Medical Science program or applying to the University of Guelph?
A degree from Guelph will help with your career. But don't just focus on your studies, focus on becoming a well-rounded individual. Find a mentor, make good friends, volunteer, join a Club, read for fun, and work on soft skills. With these experiences and your degree from Guelph, you can only imagine the places you will go.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
This is a toss-up, as I had three favourite places to eat on campus: 1) The Bull Ring (where my go-to dish was the Chicken Tikka Masala), 2) Mongolian Grill in Prairie Hall (where I could get an amazing stir fry dish that could be divided into two or three meals) and 3) Creelman (because there was so much variety, I never walked out of Creelman being disappointed).
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
My go-to study place was the Science Complex, because of its central location, I was a science student so being near to my professors was a plus, the availability of food options, the connection to McNaughton (in case I wanted to find somewhere else to study), and being able to connect with students in the CBSSC and various Clubs, who would also be studying for similar exams.
What was your pre-exam ritual?
Condense course notes, create flashcards and a nice study music playlist, talk through concepts (out loud) with friends, draw diagrams, make sure to have snacks packed so I don't lose my study space, and plan breaks, and naps.
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
- Culinary choices on campus
- Amazing professors
- Residence life
- A warm and kind community
- Green spaces and nature
