Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School graduate awarded Schulich Scholarship

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School graduate Julia Da Silva is a giant step closer to achieving her dreams. She has earned a $120,000 Schulich Scholarship to study Engineering at McMaster University this fall.

When asked where she sees herself in 10 years, Julia has a bold vision for her future. “As a biomedical or mechanical engineer piloting teams to create impactful designs to increase surgical efficiency and accelerate the healing process for post-operative patients,” she says. “Through the creation of surgical robots, advanced prosthetics, and further development of artificial internal organs, I hope to better the life quality of patients and families.”

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School teacher, Daniel Monti, witnessed Julia Da Silva’s personal growth and academic development. “Over the last four years, I have had the opportunity to teach Julia in several EDIT ((Engineering Design and Innovative Technology) classes as well as IB (International Baccalaureate) Mathematics, and work alongside her as her mentor in FIRST Robotics. She has excelled as a team lead within our Advanced Manufacturing Specialist High Skills Major diploma program in FIRST.” FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

“From a high-achieving Grade 9 student to becoming an Ontario Dean’s List Finalist in FIRST Robotics, Julia’s trajectory is a testament to her dedication, skill and leadership in STEM in our community,” he adds. “Her progression from a curious Grade 9 student in EDIT to a world-class leader and mentor in STEM mirrors the inspirational journey of past students who have significantly contributed to our program’s success.”

Julia was a member of the drive team that competed in the World Robotics Championships in Houston in 2023. She also mentored an all-girls team while working tirelessly to create and maintain a safe environment for girls to have access to experimental education in science, technology, engineering and math.

“Julia’s leadership led to the formation of the first-ever all-female FIRST Robotics team at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School,” says Daniel Monti. “This initiative directly resulted in achieving 50 per cent female leadership in technical roles within our EDIT program in 2024, with the Grade 10 students she mentored now each leading their own FIRST Tech Challenge teams, a total of four in 2024.”

“My understanding of the mechanics of our 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robot nurtured my ability to build and successfully drive it,” says Julia. “Now, over a year later, as the Team Captain of the robotics program at Lo-Ellen Park, I mentor over eight FTC teams, provide support for an FRC rookie team in North York, introduce Grades 4 and 5 students to the basics of designing through simple interactive projects, and implemented robotics in the Grade 7 and 8 curriculum in my school board by mentoring students and helping teachers start their robotics programs.”

Julia’s influence in the STEM sector extends well beyond her school and her community. For the past three years, she has been volunteering with hEr VOLUTION which focuses on diversity and inclusion. She is now the youngest board member within the non-profit organization which creates opportunities for the next generation of women in STEM to connect with leaders in the industry for career support. As Vice-Chair of the STEMing UP Program Committee, Julia contributes to the goal of breaking down barriers and inspiring teens to pursue higher education and careers in STEM with technical knowledge, leadership skills and renewed confidence.

Julia enjoys actively participating in the education of her peers by teaching building hacks, prototyping, critical thinking, and how to use 3D printers, CAD software, and the CNC mill. “My efforts in continuously mentoring teammates and creating a sustainable experiential education environment led me to be selected as a FIRST Dean’s List Finalist and be invited to compete internationally,” she says. “Today, I am proud to be a Schulich Leader, following in the footsteps of those who mentored me.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217