BHSc Alumni Spotlight

What is your favorite BHSc memory? 
My favourite BHSc memory has definitely got to be filming videos for our MDSC projects. I absolutely remember doing one on chronic traumatic encephalopathy. If you really dig through the internet, you can still find it! 

We took on roles of researchers, athletes, interviewers, video producers, story writers, script editors, project directors, and more. The versatility and application-based nature of projects like that have been the highlight of my time with the BHSc program. 

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as a student?
Looking back at my undergraduate years, my biggest piece of advice to my younger self would be: don't be so hard on yourself. 

During my undergrad, I put a lot of pressure on myself to fit into a predetermined mold. There was this constant internal tug-of-war between staying true to myself and giving in to societal expectations. I often chose the latter because, frankly, it felt easier - the resources and pathways were clearer, more readily available.

One of my biggest regrets is abandoning my philosophy minor after failing a class. Now I see that one setback shouldn't have derailed something I genuinely enjoyed.

It wasn't until my fourth year that I finally figured out I could chart my own path. By my third year, I'd founded a company, which eventually led to my career in biotech. But I wish I'd realized sooner that it was okay to follow my interests and passions. The pressure I put on myself wasn't just unnecessary - it was holding me back from discovering what truly excited me.

The irony is that when I finally started doing what I genuinely enjoyed, things fell into place naturally. So, to my younger self, I'd say: trust your instincts more, worry less about fitting in, and remember that your unique path is valid, even if it doesn't look like everyone else's.

What is the best thing about your current job?
I essentially get paid to be endlessly curious and support extraordinary talent. My days revolve around three things I love: reading deeply about emerging technologies and trends, writing analyses and theses about where the world is heading, and engaging with brilliant thinkers who are building the future.

There's something incredibly energizing about having the autonomy to structure my days around learning and discovery. One morning I might be deep-diving into breakthrough biotech research, and by afternoon, I'm in conversations with inventors and founders who are turning these innovations into reality, or better – rethinking how to approach problems in the first place. The ability to not just meet these visionaries but to actually support them financially and strategically - to be part of their journey from idea to impact - is incredibly fulfilling.

I also get to travel a ton to meet interesting people and get to live in amazing places. At the moment, I call NYC home. 

What makes this truly remarkable is how it aligns with my natural inclinations. It's not just a job - it's getting paid to do what I would probably be doing anyway: staying curious, thinking deeply about the future, and connecting with people who are passionate about making a difference.

How has your career evolved?
I began as a biomedical scientist and a young ed-tech founder during my undergraduate years in Calgary. This foundation led me to Cambridge, where I pursued graduate studies while launching a venture focused on the future of work.

After that, I moved to San Francisco, where I served as a product leader and founding team member at a women's health company. This role allowed me to make significant contributions to a sector that I am deeply passionate about. Subsequently, I transitioned to Philadelphia, where I took on a unique position as a strategist to the CEO at a computational pathology company—a role created specifically for me based on my vision of my "dream job".

My journey then led me to New York City, where I became the head of operations at a cutting-edge biotech diagnostics company. Each of these roles has built upon the last, deepening my expertise and understanding of different aspects of the industry.

Now, I find myself engaged in what I consider my life's work. I am not in a rush to hit specific milestones; instead, I am driven by curiosity and a desire to deeply explore complex issues. My focus includes topics such as artificial intelligence, human agency, and longevity, as I continuously address wicked problems that I see as infinite games.
 

How did your BHSc degree help you get to where you are now/current career?
Throughout my journey, I've come to understand that every system—whether it's the human body, healthcare infrastructure, or economic framework—exhibits a fundamentally "living" quality. This insight has been transformative for me.

By viewing these systems through a bio-inspired lens, I have developed a deeper appreciation for their interconnectedness. Just as the various components of the human body work in harmony, I see how different fields and sectors can interact and influence one another. This perspective has profoundly shaped my approach to problem-solving, allowing me to identify and address complex challenges that span multiple disciplines.

Whether I am designing a new educational technology, innovating in healthcare, or exploring the implications of emerging work trends, I strive to integrate this holistic understanding into my work. My goal is not only to create effective solutions but also to foster resilience and adaptability within each system I engage with. This interdisciplinary mindset continues to guide my efforts as I seek to tackle the intricate challenges of our time.

What is the best piece of advice you have received during your career journey?
Do not take advice from people who have not accomplished what you want to. Everyone will want you to do the thing that will confirm their biases.