Shania Tubana Dean

Hi Shania! You’re originally from the GTA but found your way to Carleton Science. What led you to study in Ottawa?

I’m originally from Toronto, but came to Ottawa specifically for Carleton’s Neuroscience and Biology combined honours program. 

I’ve always been fascinated by the brain, how humans make decisions, and how every person experiences things differently. I wanted to explore those topics and connect what I learn to everything I see in the world. What’s also very interesting is seeing what happens when our brains are damaged.

I’m very interested in studying medicine and want to become a neurologist or oncologist, so this program was a perfect fit. 

You do a lot outside of academics – clubs, research, and other activities. What’s keeping you busy these days? 

It wasn’t until my second year that I stepped out of my comfort zone to fully explore what Carleton had to offer.

I joined clubs like Carleton’s Impact Club dedicated to breaking stigma around youth poverty and homelessness, started participating in sports like ultimate frisbee and volleyball, and immersed myself in the campus community. 

In 2024, I was selected to participate in the Black and Indigenous Summer Research Internship (BISRI) program  where I researched the effects of a chemotherapy medication on pancreatic cells to see if it is linked with Type 2 diabetes. I’ve also participated in a lot of events like Carleton’s SOAR Leadership Conference and Brain Awareness Week.

Now in fourth year, I’m continuing to explore my academic interests and am incredibly grateful that Carleton has provided me space to learn more about myself while also being able to give back to my community. 

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your studies so far? 

Connecting what I learn in class to the real-world and my daily life. For example, I always wondered why it’s so common to get sick after exam season. I learned in class that the brain signals to your body to suppress your immune system after stressful conditions, which is why you’re more susceptible to illness. It’s all very fascinating and everything around me makes more sense.

The support at Carleton is also immensely rewarding. The faculty in my program are very welcoming and inclusive. Being a student here gives me an abundance of resources and opportunities.

You received the Faculty of Science’s Kerry-Ann Lindo Memorial Award in 2025. What did receiving this award mean for you?

Overwhelming joy! After the initial excitement, I also started to feel a deep sense of honour. To be selected for an award that carries so much meaning was truly humbling. Kerry-Ann Lindo’s life is characterized by resiliency, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community. Her story is inspiring, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence academically and in the community. 

And personally, this award signifies that others believe in me which adds an extra layer of motivation to give my best efforts. I’m working for my own future, but also for the legacy of those who came before me.

Aside from neuroscience and biology, do you have any other scientific interests?

I’m also interested in working on medical devices to support patients with neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I want to help develop solutions to improve quality of life in these patients and I care deeply about making healthcare more accessible. I’ve decided to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering upon graduation to advance my expertise in this area. 

Do you have any words of advice for incoming Carleton students who are interested in making an impact on campus and beyond?

I want to encourage women, especially Black women, to dream big and pursue their ambitions with confidence. As we continue to break down barriers, it’s important to remember there is no limit to what you can achieve. Only you can define your potential. 

There’s a sense of community at Carleton that has been valuable in shaping my personal and academic growth. My journey here has shaped my continuous drive to push boundaries, and I hope I can inspire others to keep pushing forward and to never give up on their goals, no matter how big they seem.

-End-

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