Class of 2022
I grew up in Red Deer, Alberta and moved to Edmonton to start my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in 2014. I shifted between majors until I found the right fit and eventually graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Molecular Genetics in 2019. During my degree, I spent 12 months conducting wet lab genetics research with zebrafish, which helped me to realize that I wanted a career where I got to interact with people and directly see the impact of my work on others’ lives. I have always had an interest in health care and when I stumbled onto genetic counselling, I knew it was the right fit.
During my undergraduate degree, I gained exposure to genetic counselling through an introduction to genetic counselling course taught by a genetic counsellor at the University of Alberta. I supplemented this experience by volunteering on the support and information line with the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton and with the Centre for Autism Services Alberta.
Following graduation, I was fortunate to be hired as a genetic counselling assistant and worked alongside laboratory genetic counsellors at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. When this role ended, I worked as a genetics assistant in ocular genetics at the University of Alberta and Royal Alexandra Hospital until I started my M.Sc. in Genetic Counselling at UBC in September 2020.
In my downtime, I love being active and getting outdoors, particularly playing soccer, climbing, hiking, and going for nature walks. I also enjoy relaxing, cozied up with a good comedy show or book. Some of my favourite Vancouver pastimes are enjoying a sunset at the beach, exploring the local breweries, and spending time with my classmates.