BHSc Alumni Spotlight

What is your favorite BHSc memory?

There are so many to choose from!

I remember in preparation for our biochemistry midterm, my friends and I prepared a game of Jeopardy to help us study. I don't think we did all that much studying, but we laughed all night long. My favourite memories are all some variation of an attempted study session turned comedy fest.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as a student?

I am someone who absolutely loves and strives for perfection. My perfectionism, however, led to many sleepless nights and a caffeine dependence. If I could go back, I would tell myself to not sweat the small stuff. I know it seems majorly important right now, but I promise nobody (besides yourself) cares about your GPA. Do what you can, try your best, and learn from the rest.

Also, let yourself be curious! There is so much to explore both in and out of the classroom. Explore different research areas, different disciplines, different hobbies! Follow your curiosity and the rest will fall into place.

What is the best thing about your current job?

The best part about my current job is by far the travel and the ability to learn about different people. My job is essentially to travel all over Africa and share the amazing things about UCalgary with international students. This work is incredibly rewarding, exhilarating and eye-opening! I have been able to connect with students all over the African continent and have learned so much about different ways of living.

How has your career evolved?

If you told 17-year-old me that she was going to be traveling through Africa for work, she would not have believed you. I initially chose Biomedical Sciences because I loved problem solving, thinking creatively, and helping people. Merging geography and health sciences, the BHSc program let me explore my interests. I spent a lot of time studying how air quality impacted chronic lung diseases in Calgary, and continued through my thesis, where I studied how certain COPD medications worked.

Throughout my thesis, members of my lab mentioned (very nicely, might I add), that I talked a lot. Believe it or not, this was the first time I had ever heard that I was good at talking to people. This was a skill I didn't know I had and it got me thinking, "Why don't I try to explore this skill? If I'm good at speaking, what can I do to highlight this?".

I had worked part-time with the recruitment team throughout my undergraduate degree, and my boss had mentioned that the Africa Recruiter position was opening. I figured, "I can flex my speaking strengths here, let's give it a shot". Before I knew it, I was on a plane, traveling to 14 different countries in Africa over the course of 13 weeks -- and getting paid to do it! I loved this work because I needed to be curious, and more importantly, think on the fly.

My travels peaked my interest in international business, and these experiences have encouraged me to pursue more education in this field. I will continue with a dual degree program, completing the one-year Master of Management at UCalgary followed by a year at the Technical University of Munich to achieve a Masters of Science in Management and Innovation. My current goal is to expand biotechnology innovations internationally, but who knows what I'll be exploring in the next 5, 10, 15 years. It goes to show, amazing things happen when you pursue your curiosities.

How did your BHSc degree help you get to where you are now/current career?

The BHSc program was absolutely fundamental in building key skills that allow me to excel in any setting: critical thinking, curiosity, verbal and written communication (especially knowledge translation of research findings), public speaking, time management, and resilience.

The art of communication is indispensable! The ability to communicate a complex topic to different audiences is a strength that can take you anywhere, and the BHSc program helps refine this skill. Whether it is between peers, to a patient, or to a supervisor, the ability to ensure that nothing is 'lost in translation' is key! Take presentations and papers in stride -- they are the best way to practice communication!

What is the best piece of advice you have received during your career journey?

"If you are frustrated by something, it means you have the opportunity to make change", "If you are scared of something, it means you care", "Go for it", and "Network, network, network". These are just some of the mottos I have picked up from parents, mentors and peers over the years. They might be cliché but they're true.

Bottom line: don't let fear rule you. I think the fear of rejection or failure can limit our efforts (if we allow it to). Fear can also show us that we are really interested and invested in something and that we can make change! Try something, if it doesn't work, try again. It is impossible to know everything -- reach out to connections, ask questions, find a mentor.

Just go for it!