My journey as a chemist began back in high school, where an inspiring teacher sparked my curiosity and
helped me discover how chemistry forms the foundation of all sciences. I loved the idea that chemistry is
everywhere, woven into everything we do. This early fascination first led me into chemical engineering when
I began university, but I soon realized that engineering wasn’t the right path for me. Wanting to understand
the science more deeply, I shifted my focus to pure chemistry, where my passion truly belonged.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the National University of Colombia in Bogotá in 2016.
Seeking to broaden my opportunities and strengthen my technical training, I moved to Canada and completed
my Chemical Technology Diploma at NAIT in 2020. Studying chemistry was not always easy, there were
moments of frustration and exhaustion, but pushing through those challenges has been one of the most
rewarding accomplishments of my life. Today, I am proud to call myself a Professional Chemist.
My professional career began in the pharmaceutical sector, where I worked as a Quality Control Analyst.
This early experience grounded me in regulatory compliance, good laboratory practices, and analytical
precision. I performed a wide range of physical chemistry analyses ensuring full traceability through
standardized documentation, quality audits, and method adherence. This experience reinforced the
precision, ethics, and attention to detail that defines our profession and continues to shape my approach
as a chemist.
In 2018, I transition into NAIT’s Industry Solutions Applied Research portfolio, marking the beginning of a
seven-year progression across increasingly technical- and leadership-focused roles. Over the years, I
worked in numerous industry and NSERC-funded projects focused on oil sands tailings characterization and
treatment technologies to enhance dewatering performance and environmental sustainability. My work
spanned flocculation and coagulation mechanisms, lime modification of clays, phytoremediation, bitumen
recovery, water quality, filter-press optimization, quick clay behaviour and long-term consolidation studies,
helping industry partners better understand material behaviour, improve processes, and
accelerate reclamation efforts. I had the opportunity to develop new methodologies, co-author scientific
papers, and represent NAIT at key conferences including the International Oil Sands Tailings Conference
and Tailings and Mine Waste.
By 2024, my career expanded into operational leadership. As Operations Coordinator, I supported the
alignment of processes and workflows across applied research centers, facilitating strategic initiatives, while
serving as a key administrative and cross-departmental liaison. This role broadened my perspective beyond
the laboratory, allowing me to apply analytical thinking to process optimization, stakeholder engagement, and
organizational strategy.
Today, I serve in Work-Integrated Learning, supporting students through STEM industry-connected
educational experiences while coordinating mentorship, employer engagement, and academic operations,
contributing to NAIT’s mission for hands-on, quality industry.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my journey is to actively seek exposure to different industries,
interdisciplinary teams, and cross-functional roles. Chemistry training equipped me with analytical thinking
and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the laboratory bench into operational, administrative, and
coordination positions. A chemistry degree doesn’t confine us; it opens doors across diverse sectors.
I joined ACPA to find community and belonging among fellow chemists, to understand regulatory
advancements, the chemistry industry landscape in Canada, and to build meaningful connections. Being a
chemist can feel isolating when our profession isn’t fully understood or appreciated, despite chemistry being
the core foundation of all sciences. My ACPA membership has played a meaningful role in my professional
development. Earning the P.Chem designation validated my expertise, strengthened my credibility, and
connected me with a community committed to ethical, evidence-based chemistry.
The Ethics and Jurisprudence courses were particularly valuable, and the monthly seminars keep me
engaged with the Alberta chemistry community. The P.Chem designation fills me with pride; it represents my
commitment to the profession and validates the rigorous work chemists do. I value opportunities to connect
with fellow chemists, learn about the Canadian and Alberta regulatory framework, and participate in
networking events that foster professional growth.
To students and early-career chemists: chemistry is challenging, but that challenge is what makes it
rewarding. Stay curious, stay resilient, and push through the difficult moments, they will shape you into a
stronger scientist. The skills you develop extend far beyond the lab and are invaluable across countless
career paths. I encourage you to join the ACPA. We grow stronger together, building a community where
chemists support one another and elevate the profession.