Resume:

I am a 4th year PhD candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences studying the evolution of single-celled eukaryotes. My research is primarily computational, and involves comparing genes across the diversity of eukaryotic life in order to identify adaptive trends associated with various environmental and evolutionary selection pressures. I have worked as a teaching assistant several classes within the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and have given lectures within the MMI371 Bacterial Pathogenesis course. I also held an RA position in the Department of Political Sciences in 2016, focused on overcoming barriers to individual action on climate change within communities.

Outside of academic study, my time at the U of A has focused mainly on science outreach. I have been a site co-ordinator for Let’s Talk Science for three years, specialising in volunteer engagement and biomedical education. I have run the Let’s Talk Science UAlberta social media and organise training and social activities for current volunteers.

I was also Graduate Student Co-ordinator at the Centre For Global Education, which connects students from around the world to political action on issues affecting youth, such as climate change. I believe passionately in equal access to graduate education and academia. During my Master’s degree I was Disabilities Officer at my college, Murray Edwards, and ensured that people with both physical and mental health issues were able to fully access the teaching and resources available at the University of Cambridge. I joined the Cell Biology Student Association as GSA representative to advocate for my peers at the university level.