I am always looking for ways to give back to my university and to my community. I acted as the President for my university's Biology Graduate Student Society for two years, helping organize events and hosting seminars for graduate students to showcase their research and practice their presentation skills. I was a member of the planning committee for my university's Biology Graduate Symposium for three years, including its inaugural year, helping create the program and secure sponsorship. I also volunteered as a peer mentor for at-risk youth for many years through UBC Okanagan's Mentorship Program. In my community, I was a member of the Kelowna Chapter of Crohn's and Colitis Canada for three years, where I held various positions including Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Treasurer, and Logistics Captain.
Hobbies
I play soccer year-round with indoor and outdoor leagues. In the winter I enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and in the summer I play tennis, go hiking, and participate in open-water swimming competitions. Indoors, I enjoy trying new recipes in the kitchen, playing piano, quilting, and reading a good book. True to my wine country (and wine research) roots, I enjoy having a glass of wine with friends, and have my WSET Level 2 certification.