Author: Adiki Puplampu
Date: 11 August 2026
Stephanie Ejezie loves biology, but this summer that passion has been put on the backburner as she uncovers her programming skills while working as an intern with Dr. Hossein Rohani at the Neuromuscular Control and Biomechanics Laboratory. At the intersection of programming and neuroscience, Stephanie’s project this summer is focused on using EEG signals and deep learning to understand subject specific reactions to brain computer interfaces. The overall purpose of this work is to support the development of individualized prosthetic devices.
The learning curve into this role has been steep for Stephanie, who came into this work with limited knowledge about deep learning and programming. While meeting this challenge was daunting at first, she’s felt well supported by her internship host and has enjoyed learning all the new skills that come with this area of work. Though she was initially surprised that she was chosen for the position, Stephanie believes that her willingness to thoroughly immerse herself in learning and her self-directed nature were part of the reason she was selected.
Stephanie applied to the ELITE Program after hearing about it through other programs and professors. She was drawn to the chance to engage in research and the opportunity to build professional relationships with peers and people in her field. In her opinion, the ELITE Program is a particularly good opportunity for international students. Many positions exclude international students because they require permanent residency or Canadian citizenship status, which presents a barrier to entry for many qualified students. Stephanie, who came to the University of Alberta from Nigeria on a full scholarship, took up many opportunities while on campus. From resident assistant, to hall coordinator, Teaching Assistant, and student ambassador, Stephanie immersed herself in various aspects of campus life. In June, Stephanie celebrated her graduation with a Bachelor of Science in integrative biology, bringing to a close this phase of her educational journey and the beginning of the next.
Stephanie, who counts among her role models Dr. Chika Oriuwa for her trailblazing work in medicine, as well as her father for his persistent pursuit of his goals, is focused on entering the medical field as an obstetrician gynecologist (OB-GYN). Her passion and desire for medicine is evident and we wish her the best of luck in her pursuit of this goal.