UNITY – Kennedy Cholin, nee Mielke, has been offered a learning experience of a lifetime at the University of Oxford.
With a strong interest in science, Cholin said there was something about microbiology and exploring a world of bacteria she found fascinating. Her biology teacher, Neil Ehnisz, said Cholin was a serious and dedicated student, which intensified as she moved into senior high.
“She always had a no-nonsense type of approach towards learning and would question everything until she was satisfied with the answer,” said Ehnisz.
“Having spent 25 years at UCHS teaching sciences, it is always interesting and very gratifying to see the many alumni attaining high levels of recognition in their chosen studies and careers,” he added.
Cholin chose microbiology as her undergrad program, where the opportunity to work with Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada arose. While she enjoyed the experience and being in the laboratory setting, she struggled to find a field that matched her passion.
“I had some experience in clinical microbiology research in a hospital setting and knew I wanted to work in a more human-centered field,” said Cholin.
She soon discovered she had a strong passion relating to women’s health and the field of fertility.
“Working in a fertility clinic, I found the passion I was searching for and started exploring master’s programs to further my specialization,” she added.
Cholin’s focus on pursuing her master’s in clinical embryology started the process of researching various programs when a co-worker recommended Oxford.
“She had graduated from the program a year prior and spoke very highly of the course and faculty,” said Cholin.
Cholin applied for the clinical embryology program, which will run for a year, focuses on the study of embryos and their development. It includes the use of assisted reproductive technologies to assist with infertility and fertility-related struggles.
“I am most excited to learn from the faculty. The calibre of faculty this program has to offer was a big reason I was drawn to this program,” Cholin added.
“I have been reading papers and textbooks by these individuals since I gained interest in this area. To go from seeing their names on the cover of my textbook to sitting in lectures and being taught directly by them is incredibly exciting,” she said.
The Unity Composite High alum graduated in 2018, then completed a Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology with Honours in 2022. She is the daughter of Renea and the late Gerald Eichenlaub
