My name is Aoife and I am a 4th year biological sciences student at the University of Guelph. I am also completing a minor in business. I am extremely passionate about science, the environment, and storytelling.

I currently am considering a career in public policy, using science to create evidence-based policies to target problems such as the social determinants of health. However, I am also thinking about going into teaching, furthering my research, and writing a book.

I am interested in ecology and science involving nature. I love hiking, camping, and canoe tripping – my longest being an 18-day trip! I am inspired by Jane Goodall, who has demonstrated the importance of taking risks, prompted massive conservation efforts, and uses her platform to inspire change. I also greatly value innovation and applying science to develop unique solutions.

I have always looked for ways to tie my passion for science with my interest in the environment. During high school, I was very involved in science fairs. In 2016, I invented a new way to recycle Styrofoam by dissolving it in an organic oil. This project won a Gold Medal at the Canada Wide Science Fair and I also received a Young Canadian Innovation Award.

More recently, I have worked in a biomedical engineering lab over the past 3 summers. Our research focuses on developing technologies to improve orthopaedic surgery. Working with an interdisciplinary team of surgeons and engineers, my primary activities involve developing, designing, and testing new innovations.

I am a volunteer with the Children’s Aid Society where I work with a child in care to offer mentorship, foster success in school, and be a source of stability. Our activities include getting them a library card, participating in mathematics competitions, and completing science projects. As a World Vision youth ambassador, I marched at the 2018 G7 summit to advocate for the education of girls in developing countries. I also served as an elected Student Trustee for the Thames Valley School Board where I advocated for the interests of students by partaking in Board meetings.

An interesting fact about me is that I am a painter! Lockdown has given me ample time to pick back up watercolour and acrylic painting, and I enjoy creating paintings of landscapes, flowers, and experimenting with new techniques.

I also play the flute, piano and violin, and am a member of the university’s Chamber Music Ensemble. My other hobbies include swimming, reading good books, and hiking.