Janela A.

Biography

Janela graduated from the Gems Founders School in Al Barha, Dubai. While there, she was engaged in STEM-based summer camps where she led summer classes for children aged 4-11, primarily on engineering-based projects such as building and block-coding robots, building roller coaster prototypes, etc. She was also a math and chemistry tutor in school, helping younger students on an individual basis. Additionally, in 2019, she was awarded the Dubai Cares Young Philanthropist Award for innovating solutions with a group on issues in education, faced by child refugees.

Janela chose UCalgary for her undergrad for its mechanical and biomedical engineering programs, which would enable her to pursue a career in the medical technology industry, particularity in prosthetics engineering. Additionally, UCalgary’s position as a research university, meant that she could gain practical experience outside of the classroom. She felt that UCalgary would also support her interest in volunteerism and leadership, particularly its Engineering Leadership Program, which has allowed her to develop necessary leadership skills that she would otherwise not develop in the classroom.

Janela is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science – Engineering program. She hopes to major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Biomedical Engineering so that she can work in the prosthetics and medical devices industry.

Janela hopes to one day work in medical technology, particularly involving prosthetics engineering, as she has always had an interest in the medical field. After learning what the industry can accomplish in improving accessibility, she was inspired to take her path into the field.

For Janela, the Prestige Award allows her to focus on her academics and extracurricular activities, especially community service, which supports her professional development without facing financial barriers that could inhibit her, especially as an international student.

Janela is most excited to be involved in research in the development of therapeutic and rehabilitative devices, especially concerning biomaterials and biocompatibility in prostheses development.