BHSc Alumni Spotlight

What is your favorite BHSc memory? 
Just before COVID hit, I had the most unforgettable final project experience in my Microbiology class, led by the legendary Dr. Mayi. The course itself was deeply rewarding—engaging coursework, open communication, and a strong sense of community. I truly felt supported and free to be myself, not just by Dr. Mayi and the TAs, but also by my classmates.

Now picture this: it’s two weeks before the world shuts down. My group is standing in front of a packed lecture hall, performing a rap about our microbiology project—karaoke-style, with a homemade sing-along video. And the best part? We had edited in a bobblehead version of Dr. Mayi that bounced along with the lyrics on screen. Yes, really. There was even spontaneous choreography. No, this wasn’t a fever dream—it actually happened!

Dr. Mayi encouraged us to break away from the typical academic mold of posters and PowerPoint presentations, and instead create something fun, creative, and interactive. That freedom sparked something special—not just for our group, but for the entire class. To this day, some of my previous classmates still talk about that unforgettable day of presentations.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as a student?
If you can get through BCHEM, you can get through anything... seriously! But if I could go back and give some advice to my younger, more impressionable self, it would be this: figure out your study style early on. Finding that “perfect formula” for how you learn best can make a huge difference.

Whether it’s paper or digital to-do lists, flashcards, detailed note-taking, organizing notes by color or concept, or creating mind maps—once I discovered my own system for managing large amounts of information, everything clicked. It made me more efficient and far less anxious when it came time for exams or project prep.

I’d also tell students to take the university experience in stride. Step out of your comfort zone—not just academically, but socially and personally. Build new connections, try new habits, and embrace the independence that comes with this chapter of life. The sooner you stop following someone else’s path and start trusting your own, the more rewarding and successful your experience will be.

What is the best thing about your current job?
Mmm… where do I even begin?! For context—I currently work two jobs (I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out).

By day, I work at what I truly believe is the greatest Health & Wellness clinic of all time: @MYo Lab Health & Wellness (#GOAT). I’m part of the clinic management team, where I help coordinate our multidisciplinary teams across Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, and Massage Therapy. One of the most rewarding parts of this job is hearing feedback from patients who’ve tried everything to relieve debilitating pain—only to finally find real results through our integrated, team-based approach. It’s incredible to witness people return to 100% and reclaim their lives.

I also love being immersed in a holistic healthcare environment, and I’ve had the opportunity to specialize in some of our modalities and provide direct patient care, which has been equally fulfilling.

Now, on the completely opposite end of the spectrum—my second job happens after my day job. I’m a professional dancer with both the Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary Roughnecks, where I’ve proudly performed for 6 and 8 seasons, respectively. This role combines my lifelong passion for movement and performance, and yes—I get paid to do my favourite sport: dancing! What keeps me coming back year after year is not just the dancing, but also the opportunity to serve as a community ambassador for Calgary. I've had the honour of representing the city through charity work, local organizations, and amazing community events.

How has your career evolved?
Like many prospective students entering a Health Sciences program, medical school was definitely on my mind. But as I progressed through the BHSc program and gained hands-on experience in both lab and clinical settings, I realized that while I was passionate about healthcare, I was even more drawn to roles that combined leadership, patient interaction, and a broader impact on people’s lives.

After graduation, I spent two years working in a research lab at Foothills Medical Centre. While I truly enjoyed the science—especially my time with cell cultures—I eventually realized I needed more direct human connection. I was craving more engagement with people rather than my rewarding but isolating laboratory. 

That realization led me to explore more patient-facing roles. I initially dabbled in optometry and ocular hygienics, but it wasn’t until I discovered the world of multidisciplinary care that everything clicked. I started at my current clinic as an administrator, but within a year, I had moved into a senior leadership role—becoming #3 at the company. My background in science and physiology allowed me to quickly become a key asset, particularly when it came to patient education and helping bridge the gap between clinical care and patient understanding.

How did your BHSc degree help you get to where you are now/current career?
The BHSc program goes far beyond a typical undergraduate degree. Its intensity and strong research focus didn’t just test my perseverance—they shaped the way I work, think, and approach challenges. One of the most valuable takeaways was how I learned to process complex information in a way that allowed me not just to understand it, but to teach it to others. That ability has translated directly into how I communicate in professional settings today.

Much of my post-graduation success can be traced back to the habits I developed during those four demanding years. From preparing for high-stakes interviews, to managing and holding team members accountable in leadership roles, to applying objective, research-based thinking when introducing new modalities into the clinic—these are all skills rooted in my BHSc training. Even juggling a packed schedule and staying organized under pressure became second nature thanks to the rigor of the program.

What is the best piece of advice you have received during your career journey?
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." — Epictetus

This quote, rooted in Stoic philosophy, has had a profound impact on me. I first came across it at a work conference where Simon Sinek spoke about Stoicism and its relevance in leadership and professional growth.

In my own experience—particularly in a leadership role—I’ve had to learn how to surrender to the things I can’t control and focus instead on what I can: my mindset and response. The professional world is full of unpredictable highs and lows, and I’ve come to realize that true strength lies in how we choose to react.

Understanding that our response is our most powerful tool has helped me navigate challenges with resilience and perspective. It’s not about avoiding adversity, but mastering how you face it.