young PROFESSIONALS
carey larsson CAREY LARSSON ’95 After applying to a number of Canadian universities for a variety of different programs, Carey Larsson ’95 arrived at Trent with the idea that she would major in chemistry. Thanks to the signature Introductory Seminar Week (ISW), that changed a mere few days after her arrival. Sitting in an ISW physics & astronomy session with Professor Al Slavin, Carey found herself enthralled by the topic and impressed with the instructor. She decided to combine her interests and pursue a degree in chemical physics, a program that involves the combination of the study of physical chemistry and physics. Carey looks fondly on the small class experience and unique instruction she received at Trent—and credits it with enabling her future career. “I had a fourth-year class where there were just three students and we met in the prof’s
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office. We definitely had a lot of one-onone time with the profs—they knew who we were and understood our strengths.” After returning to her hometown of Ottawa, where she completed a master’s degree at Carleton University in medical physics, Carey was hired by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), the research and development arm of the Department of National Defence, where she has remained since. At DRDC, Carey leads the Radiological Analysis & Defence (RAD) group, a team composed of defence scientists whose mission is to make sure the Canadian Forces are prepared, technologically and otherwise, in matters of radiation. Among other things, the group develops novel radiation detectors, studies the health effects of radiation, and performs sample analysis both in the field and in the lab. One of her favourite experiences was to assist with the RCMP’s security efforts during the 2010 Olympic Winter games in Vancouver. While, for reasons of national security, she is unable to go into detail about her work, Carey says she finds it immensely rewarding: “I can’t believe this is my job!” ❖ Jonathan Pinto PAUL JONES ’05 It was after spending a day at work with his uncle—a physician—in grade nine that Paul Jones ’05 knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. “It’s a profession that allows me to blend my interest in science with my interest in people,” he says. Born and raised in Peterborough, Paul initially decided to attend Trent primarily for financial reasons, figuring that being at home would allow him to save for a future enrolment in medical school. His time at Trent, however, became more than just a financial gain.
“Trent was a great university experience because it really allowed me to pursue my own interests. That’s one piece of advice I give to other people who are considering medicine or other professional degrees: take the courses you like and enjoy … rather than taking courses because it looks good on a transcript or résumé.” Majoring in biology, Paul—in true Trent fashion— also studied chemistry, politics, and business management, taking courses that, in his words, gave him “a broader world view.” Paul was also extremely active both on and off campus, founding the Trent chapter of the Students Offering Support (S.O.S) group, chairing sessions for Trent Model United Nations, and assisting with medical humanitarian missions in Honduras.
paul jones
At the end of his third year, Paul applied and was accepted into medical school. At the suggestion of Trent biology professor Ingrid Brenner, Paul attended the Kitchener-Waterloo campus of McMaster University’s Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, where he graduated in 2011 at the age of 24. Like Trent, McMaster’s medical program offered a self-directed learning approach: “A lot of [my fellow medical students] struggled with it, coming from traditional didactic educational backgrounds from universities like