About Us

Why did you decide to join the E&I in PHAS Committee? 
I find that the consideration of equity and inclusion is often overlooked or even ignored in natural sciences. Combatting this requires both individual-level and systemic changes. I was really excited to join the Committee because its work spans from the local level (journal clubs etc.) to the administrative level (discussion with faculty and staff etc.). 

What does E&I mean to you? 
To me, equity and inclusion means welcoming and treating everyone with love and respect regardless of who they are or what they do. I also believe that promoting equity and inclusion will really benefit everyone, even folks in majority groups! Warm and safe space will attract more and more bright minds from diverse groups, and diversity is where break-through ideas come about! 

What’s something fun you like to do in Vancouver!?
I love hopping from cafe to cafe for tasty pastries and coffee!! You will otherwise find me in hiking spots, museums, and sushi restaurants 🙂

She worked in environmental labs at the University of Massachusetts Boston to study the carbon budget of the Neponset Marsh for a year before deciding to pursue a 4-year degree. Completing a double major in Astronomy and Physics at the University of Washington in Seattle was a major achievement for her, coming from a background where higher education was rare. There, she started her work in mental health advocacy and educational access for under privileged children working as a peer mentor and volunteering at a local church to feed the homeless.

In the year and a half after her graduation (and the beginning of the pandemic) she worked as a remote observer and assistant to the late Prof. George Wallerstein. Where she studied variable stars. As an undergraduate and beyond, her research had expanded from asteroids to stars to galaxies, which is where she found her passion.

As a graduate student at UBC she works to characterize the evolution of galaxies by observing distant galaxies, volunteers as a student wellness ambassador, a mentor, and E&I member.

Why did you decide to join the E&I in PHAS Committee? 
The work this committee does is important because of the inequities that exist in the fields of physics and astronomy, and science more broadly. In order to achieve an inclusive working culture in our discipline, we need to make interventions. This is a component of that necessary work.

What does E&I mean to you? 
I think that the goals of the E&I committee, and thus of E&I work more broadly are most clearly framed around objectives of justice. We’re trying to create a more just department, culture in physics, and ultimately society. 

What’s something fun you like to do in Vancouver!?
I love cycling, and in particular the route out to Horseshoe Bay. The views are spectacular!

Why did you decide to join the E&I in PHAS Committee? 
I attended a journal club organized by the committee last year and found it very instructive and enlightening. I became determined to join the team and help with similar events which aim to raise awareness and provide a safe ground for discussions around issues related to E&I.  

What does E&I mean to you? 
Creating a safe and warm environment where everyone feels welcome, making sure everyone’s voice is heard and providing more opportunities for marginalized and minority groups. 

What’s something fun you like to do in Vancouver!?
My favorite thing about Vancouver is the ocean. I love going for a swim even when it is cold outside! 

Why did you decide to join the E&I in PHAS Committee? 
I’ve always wanted to be involved in E&I in the physics academia and facilitate an inclusive environment through hands-on practice with other great people in the E&I group.

What does E&I mean to you? 
To foster a positive cultural climate for all intersectionalities, so that everyone feels able to participate to their full potential and are valued for their contributions.

What’s something fun you like to do in Vancouver!?

I love biking along the seaside lane in summer and snowboarding in winter (beginner).

Why did you decide to join the E&I in PHAS Committee? 
I think the E&I in PHAS Committee is a great opportunity to make real, positive change in the department. I want to help build a safe and inclusive academic community where everyone is empowered to succeed! 

What does E&I mean to you? 
E&I means acknowledging systematic barriers that historically underrepresented groups in PHAS – and in academia in general – face and overcoming these challenges together. I am committed to staying open-minded and to keep learning about how best to support my peers while celebrating the diversity of viewpoints in the department. 

What’s something fun you like to do in Vancouver!?
Quarry Rock hike in Deep Cove is one of my favourites. Of course, I always have to stop by Honey’s Doughnuts when I’m in the area!