This fall, Lane, from Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, begins studies in electrical engineering, while McCully, from Brookfield, Nova Scotia, begins an honours bachelor of science in chemistry.
The Schulich Leader Scholarships, among the most prestigious in Canada in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), are awarded each year to visionary young minds who demonstrate excellence, leadership and commitment.
Lane and McCully took different paths to STEM, but both have been guided by a willingness to explore their interests and embrace new experiences along the way.
Building opportunity through engineering
Lane’s interest in STEM began early. Drawn to patterns and mathematics from a young age, Lane later developed a fascination with technology through video games. By junior high school, his involvement had become much more hands-on.
Unable to afford a new computer, Lane taught himself how to build one using second-hand parts sourced through Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. The experience gave him the skills and confidence to begin building computers for others.
By Grade 8, Lane had turned those new skills into a small business building and reselling computers, an entrepreneurial venture that continued throughout high school.
Lane believes the combination of STEM, entrepreneurship and initiative helped his Schulich Leader Scholarship application stand out. Even so, learning he’d been selected came as a surprise. The call arrived while he was working part time at a restaurant.
“I was left speechless,” Lane recalls. “Although I put so much effort into my application, I never thought for a second I’d actually be chosen.”
Lane’s interest in engineering grew throughout high school. After receiving Newfoundland and Labrador’s RISE Award, Lane spent a month at the University of Toronto participating in the DEEP and CREATE programs. Living on campus and taking engineering enrichment courses offered an early glimpse into university life and helped confirm his decision to pursue engineering studies.
Having completed French immersion in high school and attended French-language summer enrichment programs, Lane was drawn to uOttawa’s bilingual environment and the opportunity to maintain his second language skills. Ottawa also offered the experience of a larger city without feeling overwhelming.
“I thought uOttawa was a great fit for me because of its focus on bilingualism,” Lane says.
At uOttawa, Lane hopes to learn more about photonics and wireless energy transfer through his studies, research and co-op experiences. Graduate studies may also be in his future.
“I thought uOttawa was a great fit for me because of its focus on bilingualism.”
William Lane
— Student, Electrical Engineering
Discovering a passion for science
For McCully, academic interests have always gone hand in hand with community involvement.
Growing up in Brookfield, Nova Scotia, McCully immersed herself in school and community life. At South Colchester Academy, she served as yearbook editor and student council co-president while serving on the graduation and prom committees. Outside the classroom, activities included singing with the philanthropic Resonance Youth Choir, playing varsity volleyball and working part time at a diner (like Lane). This involvement earned several distinctions, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Award in 2025 and the Queen Elizabeth II Medal in 2026.
A key turning point came in Grade 9 through Techsploration, a program that introduces young women and gender-diverse youth to careers in science, engineering, trades and technology.
“I met a lot of talented people who displayed their passions and allowed me to see first-hand a plethora of interesting careers in science,” McCully says.
“I met a lot of talented people who displayed their passions and allowed me to see first-hand a plethora of interesting careers in science.”
Alexandria McCully
— Student, Chemistry
Teachers also played an important role in shaping McCully’s academic interests. Their enthusiasm for science and mathematics helped nurture a passion for learning and discovery.
McCully believes a combination of school and community involvement and a passion for knowledge and science contributed to her receiving a Schulich Leader Scholarship. The news arrived at a particularly memorable moment: just one minute into a shift at the diner where McCully worked (do you see a pattern here?).
“I’m very thankful it wasn’t too busy that day, as I had time to call my family and friends — and freak out a little in the back.”
Coming from a rural community, McCully saw uOttawa as an opportunity to experience a different environment while pursuing studies in chemistry.
“There are many reasons why I chose the University of Ottawa,” says McCully. “On the uOttawa campus, there are an incredible number of opportunities for undergraduate students, whether that’s in research, clubs, sports, exchanges, etc.”
McCully adds: “Everyone just seems super invested in your time as an undergrad, and the community seems really nice as well. I come from a very rural town, and I wanted to experience what life in the capital city has to offer. So far, I’m loving it!”
McCully hopes to deepen her understanding of chemistry, become involved in research and participate in clubs and intramural sports. Longer term, she hopes to continue studying and pursue research while finding opportunities to travel and explore the world.
Looking ahead at uOttawa
As Lane and McCully begin their first year at uOttawa, both are bringing the same curiosity that shaped their paths. Lane enjoys recreational sports and travelling, while McCully enjoys reading and writing, as well as hiking, biking and swimming.
The advice both Schulich Leaders offer future STEM students is simple: devote time to the subjects and activities you genuinely enjoy.
“You should put your time and energy into exactly what you love to do,” Lane says.
McCully similarly encourages future students to pursue their goals while finding balance along the way.
“Do what you love and keep chasing your dreams. STEM can be difficult, so make time for yourself, but don’t forget to study hard — and you’ll do great things!”
