Program: MSc, School of Population and Public Health
I discovered the area of public health during my undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University, and changed my major to health sciences halfway through my second year. In my third year, I worked as a research assistant on a project supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, where I found my love for research and passion for Indigenous health. After graduation, I decided to pursue my master’s degree to further my research skills and knowledge.
I really enjoyed when my qualitative research methods class took a field trip to UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden for a field note taking exercise. It was a fun way to explore UBC and to gain a better understanding of what qualitative research consists of.
Be flexible and realistic with your research and timelines. I changed my thesis topic multiple times before I finally decided what I wanted to write about. The pandemic also caused a lot of delays and anxiety, which demanded flexibility. Clear communication with your supervisor and goal setting will help everything come together in the end.
I enjoy going for walks down to Kitsilano Beach, especially during the summer to watch the sunsets and to read.
I am grateful and excited to have recently begun working as a research coordinator at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. I hope to apply my skills and knowledge that I have learned throughout my degree to contribute to the health and well-being of those living with and at-risk for HIV. I also hope to work closely with communities and Indigenous Peoples to promote community-led and community-engaged research that centers around respectful and culturally appropriate research guidelines.