Madison Hughes: A Journey from Biomedical Toxicology to Public Health

Madison Hughes, a standout student from the University of Guelph, has been selected as one of the 30 McCall MacBain Scholars for this year. Her academic journey, deeply rooted in a passion for science, began with her undergraduate studies in biomedical toxicology at the University of Guelph. This early interest in the sciences paved the way for her future endeavors and set the stage for her transition into the field of public health.

Undergraduate Experience and Path to Public Health

Hughes’s undergraduate experience was significantly shaped by her work in a local retirement home during the pandemic. This role offered her a firsthand look at the impact of health-care policies and public health measures on individuals, sparking her interest in public health. “We had the opportunity during the pandemic to see how health-care policy changed and public health measures were impacting the individuals,” Hughes remarked, highlighting the experiences that influenced her decision to pursue a master’s degree in public health at McGill University.Her studies in biomedical toxicology, which focused on the human body and individual health, laid a solid foundation for her passion for human health. However, Hughes felt compelled to explore health from a broader perspective. “But I’m excited about public health because I realized that I wanted to look at human health from a larger-scale perspective, and more on a population level, rather than individual level,” she explained.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship: A Leadership-Driven Opportunity

The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University, inspired by other prestigious programs like the Rhodes Scholarships, stand as Canada’s first leadership-driven scholarship for master’s and professional degree studies. Established in 2019 through a generous $200-million gift from philanthropists Marcy and John McCall MacBain, the scholarship aims to support students committed to solving global issues and improving the lives of others. Beyond academic excellence, the scholarship seeks to foster a community of leaders dedicated to making a significant impact.Hughes embarked on the scholarship application process nearly a year ago, encouraged by her professor, Sarah Wootton. Reflecting on the application experience, Hughes shared, “The application process itself was really fun. It’s a nice opportunity to reflect on your experiences, your motivations, and what you’ve accomplished.” Her diverse involvement at the University of Guelph, including working in a lab, participating on the cheerleading team, volunteering as an adult literacy tutor, founding a club to raise awareness about eating disorders, and serving as a physiotherapy coach, showcased her multifaceted contributions to the community.

Looking Ahead: Graduate Studies in Public Health

As Hughes prepares to graduate in June, she looks forward to beginning her graduate studies in public health at McGill University in Montreal. Her selection as a McCall MacBain Scholar not only highlights her exceptional achievements and leadership potential but also marks an exciting new chapter in her academic and professional journey. With a deep-seated passion for public health and a commitment to making a difference on a population level, Hughes is poised to contribute significantly to the field and beyond.