Student Story: Allie Hutchings
When you picture a scientist, what do you see? Are they wearing a white lab coat? Hovering behind a bunsen burner or microscope? Are they male? Are they Indigenous?
Allie Hutchings is a Chemical Sciences student who recently had the opportunity to return to her home community of Moosonee to help change the image of what students may picture when they see a scientist. Allie was recently awarded the NSERC Indigenous Student Ambassadors (NISA) award, which gave her the opportunity to travel to Moosonee to promote science and discuss her research with high school students. Allie's passion for science and her desire to help her community have been the driving force behind her achievements.
“It was amazing, the students were really engaged and the response I had from them was so validating. They were super engaged and made me feel so good about it. Solidified everything about what I want to do in the future,” said Allie about her trip back home.
Allie's interest in the sciences began in high school. Initially, Allie was unsure about pursuing a research project and thesis during her undergrad, but she eventually found the courage to take on the challenge. Allie's research focused on the impact that biological sex and genetic background has on the response to metal toxicity, using fruit flies as a model. Her research was conducted using over 13,000 flies, creating a robust data set that highlighted the importance of considering environmental contamination.
Indigenous roots are an integral part of her identity, and also her education. She credits Fort Albany First Nation for making it all possible, “I’ve been financially supported by Fort Albany First Nation - Mundo Peetabeck Education Authority - through all five years of my education. I wouldn’t be here without that support. I want to be able to visit Fort Albany and engage the students there in science as well.”
Allie's achievements are significant, not only because she is a talented and accomplished researcher, but because she is also the first person in her family to graduate with a university degree. Her dedication to her studies and to her community is commendable, and she serves as an inspiration to Indigenous students who aspire to pursue postsecondary education.
Her advice to high school students is to join a lab early on to gain experience and exposure to scientific research. She encourages students to apply for grants and seek out opportunities to gain experience outside of their regular coursework. She also speaks highly of the positive impact of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre at Laurentian University, and encourages all students to visit the centre for support.
Allie's dedication to her studies, her community, and her identity as an Indigenous woman is an inspiration for the next generation of students.