When Jesse Dutnall started at UVic in 2016, he was planning on going to medical school. But after a change of heart, and a change of major, he dropped out. He worked in a cannabis extraction lab in Duncan. After taking time to decide on a career path, Jesse returned to UVic in 2021. This spring, he is graduating from the same Chemistry for the Medical Sciences Program he started nine years ago.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
A chemistry education project I conducted with the McIndoe Group was the most important experience of my undergraduate degree. We developed the Real-Time Air Data Box (RADBox). The RADBox is an open-source device made from 3D printed materials and Arduino hardware. It tracks changes in air quality, visualizing live data for CO2, temperature, humidity, volatile compounds and NOx species. The goal of the project was to give students and educators a hands-on real-time experience with scientific research. I demonstrated the RADBox to a local Grade 4 class and tested a variety of household air quality experiments proposed by the students themselves.
What moment stands out most from your time here?
The moment that stands out was presenting at the Western Canadian Undergraduate Chemistry Conference 2024 in Saskatoon. I was nervous to present on a project that was so important to me. In the end, I won the award for Best Oral Presentation in Environmental Chemistry and felt like a real, accomplished chemist.
Was there a course or professor who had an impact on you?
Scott McIndoe made a huge impact on me during my time in his lab and beyond. He knew I wasn’t interested in grad school but still respected and supported me as a person and a chemist. He was great to talk to about possible career paths.
Where did you love to study, hang out or unwind on campus?
The Chemistry Drop-In Centre in Elliot was an excellent place to engage with others about my course content. When I needed to study alone and focus, the basement of Elliott always had a quiet, private spot.
Is your current path what you envisioned for yourself growing up?
After graduating high school, I wanted to go to medical school. I saw the Chemistry for the Medical Sciences Program as the best path get there. After second year, I realized medicine lacked the community I wanted in my career. I switched to a philosophy degree for a year before dropping out. Working full-time as a lab technician helped me realize chemistry offered many other career opportunities. I hope to find work in industrial chemistry, preferably in Victoria.
How would you describe your time at UVic in one word?
Diversified.
