Bio: Hi, I'm Lauren Bird (she/her) and am currently in my second year of my undergraduate studies as a double major in Chemistry and Biology as an international student from The Bahamas and Jamaica. I'm really passionate about bio-organic drug synthesis and was really excited to participate in the 2024 Chemistry Scholar's Day. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing the piano, reading, going to the gym and swimming.
It wasn’t until my last two years of study that I learned how to ask for help, how to adjust when nothing seems to go as planned, and most importantly, how to find joy even in the smallest of wins. It is never too late to make these realizations and to find your rhythm. If my interview resonates with even one person, then I am happy to have done my part as an upper-year student.
Program: Chemistry Major & Biology Major
Campus: St. George
Area of Interest: Biological Organic Chemistry
Chemistry Stories asked:
What sparked your initial interest in studying chemistry?
I first became interested in science overall in grade 5 and I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My love of specifically chemistry blossomed in high school. A great deal of why I am so fond of chemistry is due to my high school teacher; she always seemed so excited to teach about the content and that excitement carried over and in turn made me excited to learn.
Chemistry to me is a little like a good song; you can almost see what comes next before it happens, like a pattern. I have always found chemistry and learning about chemistry comforting in a way and this feeling was only strengthened by my chemistry career here at U of T.
What is your favorite fact about chemistry?
Something that I found particularly interesting was learning about quantum dots because they are so tiny (1-10nm) but extremely bright and stable. Quantum dots can also act as artificial atoms with opens doors for so many kinds of synthesis and applications.
What advice would you give new U of T undergraduates considering a chemistry specialty?
To new undergraduate U of T students considering pursuing a chemistry specialty I would recommend taking CHM151 as opposed to CHM135 & CHM136. I found that the class size being smaller allowed for a more conducive learning experience because you have a better relationship with your lab TA which is not necessarily the case with the larger classes.
I also found that having a year long course instead of two semester long courses maximizes the time spent learning and having hands-on experiences in the labs.
Chemistry to me is a little like a good song; you can almost see what comes next before it happens, like a pattern. --Lauren Bird