Author: Adiki Puplampu
Date: 27 July 2026
Though she’s only just finished her first year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Alberta, Jada Dawodu is no stranger to the ELITE Program. A three time intern, when Jada first heard about the ELITE Program she was most excited by the opportunity it provided to learn about research before graduating high school and spent her first two summers with the ELITE Program working at the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab. While both of these experiences were quite unique, this summer is a truly novel experience as she dives head first into the world of MatLab and coding working in the Department of Human Ecology under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Dolez.
Jada’s work this summer is focused on supporting the pilot phase of a project to build a smart garment to assist people living with mobility challenges as a result of Parkinson’s disease. During her first few weeks on the job, Jada’s focus has been on building her skills and confidence in MatLab in preparation for data analysis later in the summer.
Working as an ELITE Program intern was Jada’s first experience of paid employment in high school and she found a lot of value in the wrap-around supports provided through the program. With the Entrepreneurship Design Series, she found the financial literacy component and the education on how to pitch ideas to be integral to her development as an emerging professional. The lessons from the Wellness and Coaching series were also formative for Jada.
“Having a wellness and coaching series integrated into my first job was really significant for how I approach my work and how I feel like I fit into the workplace. I feel like it really helped me with that sense of belonging.”
As an ELITE Program veteran, Jada has a unique perspective to share on the role the program plays in preparing students to transition from high school into post-secondary education. Her experience in the program exposed her to knowledge and resources that have been invaluable and given her opportunities to develop key skills such as public speaking and presenting. While working as a high school intern, Jada felt a sense of autonomy and responsibility for her work, but that sense has intensified noticeably working as an undergraduate. She feels more self-directed in her work and development.
“If I was to pitch the ELITE Program to one of my friends, I would tell them that if they’re looking for a summer experience that will propel them in their career prospects, if they’re interested in academic research, if they’re interested in healthcare, if they’re interested in business or technology there are so many opportunities.”
Outside of school and work, Jada works as a tutor supporting students in their high school subjects. In the short term, Jada is interested in applying to the honours nursing programme in the fall.
As someone who’s interested in many different things, Jada sees several paths before her post graduation. One of these paths is working as an OR scrub nurse, another path is medical school or a masters, and yet another path is research. If she channels her role model, her older sister, there’s no doubt that Jada can successfully follow one, if not all of these paths.