“Participation in [the] GPS Program has contributed to a highly satisfying experience at U of T.”

I came to Toronto from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I received my BSc degree from the University of Winnipeg. I was drawn to graduate studies at the University of Toronto due to its calibre of academic programs. I pursued my MSc in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, as it serves as the largest nutritional-based research department in all of Canada. My passion for pursuing a science-based approach to nutrition and looking at its role in the prevention of disease was enhanced by my project and experiences in the department.

I received several honours and awards, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Fellowship, during my MSc. This, coupled with my positive experience throughout the program, further solidified my decision to stay at U of T to pursue a PhD in the Department of Medical Biophysics on anti-cancer drug development. This decision came naturally as U of T is a leader in my field of research. U of T collaborates with many teaching hospitals to form the University Health Network including the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, which serves as the largest cancer research facility in Canada. The types of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs that occur at U of T are truly revolutionary, and to be able to contribute to this is amazing.

I find the U of T to have an incredible balance between academic-based activities and supplementary student life initiatives. I’ve been able to augment my science-based skills with business acumen by volunteering with student groups, serving as president of the Life Sciences Career Development Society, and through communications outreach initiatives at the Canadian Cancer Society.

I was overwhelmed at winning U of T’s inaugural 2013 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)​ competition, both at the U of T and provincial levels. Winning was one of the highlights of my graduate student experience. I was recently awarded U of T’s Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award for outstanding dedication to enhancing the student life experience. This, alongside a CIHR doctoral funding award and participation in U of T’s Graduate Professional Skills (GPS) Program, has contributed to a highly satisfying experience at U of T.

Ultimately, U of T offers an incredible range of programs that encourages the success of its students both while at university and following their degree. I have a passion for communicating science. I would like to utilize my science and communication skills by translating important scientific findings not only to a medical and scientific audience but also to the general public using presentations and the media.