Convocation Highlight: A Chemistry Student's Path to Medicine

William Berecz, B.Sc. Chemistry major, will officially cross the stage at convocation to celebrate years of hard work and dedication at the University of Guelph (U of G). After graduation, he’ll be headed on a new adventure as a medical student at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. His time at U of G has been defined by curiosity, a passion for discovery and commitment to making a difference both in the lab and in his community. With an interest in the natural world, Will was drawn to chemistry not only for its complexity but for its potential to address global challenges.

Will's academic achievement and contributions to the community earned him two convocation awards, the W.C. Winegard Medal and E.B. MacNaughton Convocation Prize. Will is dedicated to campus leadership through his work as Vice President of the Chemistry Club, first-aid instructor and a youth soccer coach.

Will is setting his sights on a future career in medicine drawn by the lifelong learning it offers and the chance to continue serving others in meaningful ways. He views medicine as a way to combine his love for teaching, research and health advocacy, while continuing to learn from others. Looking ahead, Will hopes to be a force for positive change in healthcare, supporting individuals as they strive to reach their full potential.

"My chemistry degree didn’t just give me academic knowledge but transferable skills. It taught me resilience, problem solving and adaptability. Learning how to handle failure and grow from it is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career and life."
William Berecz, Honours Chemistry, 2025 Grad

Interview with William Berecz

What did you enjoy most about the Chemistry program at U of G?

What I enjoyed most was the hands-on aspect of the Chemistry program. You learn in the classroom and then immediately apply it in the lab by handling chemicals, troubleshooting experiments and solving problems. I’ve always loved building things, and chemistry lets you do that on a molecular level, which is really exciting.

Were there any particular courses, labs or professors that had a significant impact on you?

The most important course I took was CHEM 3640, Chemistry of the Elements. It was the first time I truly felt like a chemist, working independently in the lab, handling complex and hazardous materials and replicating real experiments from the literature. It shaped how I approach problem-solving both in and outside of chemistry.

In terms of faculty, Dr. Rob Reed is one of the unsung heroes of the chemistry department. The passion he has for engaging with students and elevating our learning experiences is unmatched. The chemistry department wouldn’t be the same without him.

Can you describe a memorable project or research experience you had during your degree?

My most memorable experience was my fourth-year research project in the Murphy Group, working on carbon capture technologies. What made it impactful was the trust and independence I was given. With support from Dr. Murphy and the graduate students, I explored the literature, proposed a new procedure and ended up achieving significantly better results than before. That freedom to experiment was key to my success.

Were there any challenges you faced during your studies, and how did you overcome them?

While CHEM 3640 was one of the most important courses, it was also one of the most difficult. After barely passing the first midterm, I questioned my abilities and whether chemistry was right for me. But I sought help from my professors, developed an action plan and worked to improve. It was a big challenge but I came out the other side as a stronger person, a better chemist and more prepared to deal with adversity.

What are your current plans after graduation? Are you working, heading to grad school or taking time off?

I’m really fortunate to have been accepted to the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry so I will be starting medical school at Western University in the fall.

What tips would you offer to other chemistry students preparing for graduate school or entering the workforce?

Look for the lessons that aren’t obvious. It’s the smaller lessons, the things you don’t expect to learn that will be so valuable for you as a student. Take learning opportunities not just for the sake of good grades, but because they help you grow into a more well-rounded person and equip you with transferable skills that will benefit you no matter what path you choose after your degree.