Karsten Sturmay, who is pursuing a specialization in chemistry, is the youngest skip to ever have competed in Alberta's provincial men's tournament to qualify for the Brier. (Image courtesy Don Voaklander, UAlberta Golden Bears & Pandas)
Between 20 hours a week on the ice skipping three different curling teams including the Golden Bears, plus a full course load with labs, it's a wonder Karsten Sturmay can keep his eyes open. Yet his focus on success both on the ice and in the lab remains laser sharp, thanks to strict discipline and a scientific mind.
"I won't lie. It does involve a few late nights," said the charismatic chemistry major. "But I have the type of personality who needs to be busy. It's all about budgeting your time."
The fourth-year student, who is pursuing a specialization in chemistry, is also the youngest skip to ever have competed in Alberta's provincial men's tournament to qualify for the Brier. Sadly, Sturmay lost in the final to UAlberta alum Brendan Bottcher, but his curling future definitely looks bright. Sturmay draws parallels between curling and chemistry, applying the scientific method to his strategy on the ice.
"Curling has been equated to chess on ice. It's about figuring out the conditions with an objective viewpoint. My studies in science definitely help with that."
Sturmay has been curling since he was six years old. His dad, a UAlberta alum, was his first coach. The family's love for curling runs deep. Sturmay's sister Selena, a second-year student in the Faculty of Nursing, skips the Pandas varsity team. The Sturmay's proud parents will be cheering on their children in their hometown Leduc, the site of the National University Curling Championships this weekend. And following losses in the finals of the last two national championships, Sturmay is going for gold in front of a hometown crowd.
Win or lose, Sturmay says one thing is for certain. That he couldn't be where he is without the support of mentors in both academics and sport. "I couldn't ask for a better coach," said Sturmay of Rob Krepps, longtime Bears and Pandas coach. "He really recognizes the student part of being a student athlete. And my profs and lab coordinators have been so supportive, especially once they find out I'm curling for the university."
Once the winter term and curling season wraps up, Sturmay, who has his eyes set on grad school and research in drug development, will be turning his attention to a summer undergraduate research opportunity, steered by guidance from chemistry professors Alex Brown and Christie McDermott.
"The benefit of undergraduate research is that hands-on experience." Sturmay will be working his former organic chemistry professor John Vederas. "I'm excited to see what research is all about before I get started in graduate school." If his hands-on experience steering three curling teams to success are any indication, Sturmay is going to ace life in the lab.