Interview with Emily Kalbfleisch
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Bio-Medical Science at the University of Guelph?
When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted a career in health care but wasn't quite sure in what role or setting. I found that a Bio-Medical Science program would give me a broad exposure to different areas in health care. I chose the University of Guelph because of its strong reputation in biology and the welcoming vibe of the campus during my tour.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
What I loved most about the Bio-Medical Science program was how well it prepared me for various health care professions. Different graduate schools have specific prerequisites, and many of those were built into the curriculum, making it easier to tailor my studies. A lot of Biomed graduates rave about the human anatomy lab, and for good reason. It was such a unique experience to explore human anatomy in a hands-on environment in small groups. In third and fourth year, you are able to dive deeper into your interests with specific courses. I took classes on aging, endocrinology, and reproductive biology, which were smaller in size and really helped refine my interests.
Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your placement and your experience.
The Bio-Medical Science program at Guelph doesn’t include a co-op option, but there are still plenty of experiential learning opportunities available. Once I realized I wanted to pursue speech-language pathology, I actively sought out volunteer opportunities in the community. I connected with local SLPs, volunteered as a tutor, and even participated in virtual therapy for adults with Parkinson’s Disease. Although these opportunities weren't directly marketed to me as a Biomed student, I believe that seeking them out and networking made the experiences even more valuable. Another highlight of the program was the chance to do a research project in my fourth year. This project not only counted for course credit but also taught me about the research process, helped me build connections with professors, and boosted my grad school applications. I was able to complete a literature review on a topic related to speech-language pathology and work on a full-year project in a neuroscience lab. I'm truly grateful for everyone I met during these experiences and how they helped me get to where I am now.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am currently a second-year Speech-Language Pathology student at McMaster University. I will graduate in August of this upcoming year. Our program is a mix of clinical placements and coursework. So far, I’ve completed three placements: one supporting people who have experienced traumatic brain injuries in Burlington, a paediatric private practice in Woodstock, and another placement which was organized by the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), supporting children and adults in Schreiber, Ontario (near Thunder Bay). Ultimately, I hope to work in either acute care or a rehabilitation setting, focusing on adults with communication and swallowing disorders.
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?
The courses I completed in the Bio-Medical Science program laid a solid foundation for my graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology. The anatomy and physiology classes have been particularly beneficial, and I'm still drawing from the psychology and linguistics electives I took at Guelph. Balancing a full course load, volunteering, and working part-time also improved my time management skills, which has made handling grad school a lot easier. Another great aspect of my time at U of G was volunteering at the Experiential Learning Hub with Career Services, where I helped other students with resume writing and interview skills. Those experiences were valuable when I was applying to graduate schools, and I needed to write personal statements and prepare for interviews. Plus, the professors and staff at U of G were incredibly supportive in guiding me during my transition to grad school, writing recommendation letters, and helping me navigate the process.
What advice would you give someone considering the Bio-Med program or applying to the University of Guelph?
For people considering the Bio-med program, it is a great foundational science program that opens doors to many professions within or outside of health care. Friends I met in the program are now in cancer research, public health, teaching, medicine, and much more. There are plenty of opportunities to explore your interests, so I highly recommend seeking out experiences outside of the regular coursework.
As for the University of Guelph, it’s an amazing choice! I truly enjoyed my time there. The school has such a warm, community-oriented feel, and the campus is beautiful. Plus, Guelph itself is a great city with a lot to offer, all without the overwhelming atmosphere of a big city.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
Prairie café! I lived in Maritime, so it was the closest option, and I loved the Mom’s Kitchen and Mongolian Grill there. I also get a breakfast wrap from the Bullring every time I return. I’m not sure how they make it so delicious!?
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
- The Campus
The campus is full of beautiful green spaces and historic buildings. Plus, the arboretum is such a fantastic natural spot connected to campus. It’s a perfect place to walk in between classes. - My part-time job
While I was at U of G, I worked as an Arborist Assistant within Physical Resources. It was a great experience because I got to learn a ton about the different tree species on campus. I’d highly recommend getting a part-time job on campus. It’s super convenient if you’re already on campus for class and you meet so many amazing people! - The People
There is an overall friendly nature to the people at U of G. I definitely miss spending summers working on campus with my friends, playing intramural sports, and late-night study dates at the library! - The City of Guelph
I love how green Guelph is. The downtown area is really nice, with plenty of trails, cafes, live music venues, bars, and awesome restaurants. Some of my favourites are Bread Bar, Eric the Baker, and Brothers Brewing Co. - The Food, of course!
