AVÌìÌÃ

In high school I was captivated by the HIV replication cycle. I chose to attend UBC for their microbiology & immunology cooperative education program. For my PhD, I investigated how two hepatitis C virus proteins interact to produce an active enzyme. This work included development of a novel cell-based fluorescent assay for protease activity. In my post-doctoral research at Harvard Medical School, I studied an intramembrane protease that is important in Alzheimer’s disease and its bacterial homolog. I enjoy teaching and have so far taught a great variety of courses offered in first and second year here at OC.

Credentials:
PhD, Microbiology & Immunology, UBC
BSc, Microbiology & Immunology, UBC

After completing a BSc and MSc at UBC it was time to try something new and get out of the rain. I enjoyed just a year in Montreal before having an opportunity to finish my PhD at the Pasteur Institut and a post-doc in London. They were fantastic experiences, academically and culturally. Since then I have worked at the Terry Fox Labs and in Ottawa for Ron Worton but I have to say living and working in the Okanagan is special. I love the weather, culture and it suits my hobbies (horseback riding, hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing). At OC I teach first year, specializing in Anatomy & Physiology, and second year Microbiology and Pathophysiology.

Credentials:
PhD, Anatomy, Pasteur Institute/McGill University

Credentials:
MSc, Forest Biology and Management, University of Alberta
BSc, Biology, UBC

Biology is everywhere!  I aim to provide students with a strong educational foundation in biological sciences that they can use along their chosen career path, and I draw from my professional experience to achieve that goal. I completed my BSc at the University of California and my PhD at Simon Fraser University, where I studied the relationship between population genetic structure and life history strategies in sea stars.  I conducted my post-doctoral studies with researchers at UBC and SFU investigating the introduction of a knapweed bio-control and the invasion genetics of the emerald ash borer.  I continued my work in ecology and evolution as a consultant and professional biologist, examining a wide range of taxa including shorebirds, salmon, biofilm and whales.  I have been teaching biology at the university level since 2005 and in addition to AVÌìÌà (my permanent home), I have taught at many other BC institutions including, SFU, UBC and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.  

Credentials:
RPBio, Registered Professional Biologist
PhD, Biology, Simon Fraser University
BSc, Biology, University of California Davis

My graduate research was on the genetics, gene expression and biochemistry of Rhizobium sp. as it pertains to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. As a post-doctoral research fellow with Agriculture Canada my project concerned microbial nitrogen cycling in agricultural soils and biocontrol. At AVÌìÌÃ, my research involved greenhouse crop production under extreme environmental conditions. I teach first year biology and anatomy and physiology courses and second year courses primarily in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.

Credentials:
PhD, McMaster University
MSc, Biology, University of Calgary
BSc, Celluar, Molecular and Microbial Biology, University of Calgary

I primarily teach the biology courses for the Water Engineering Technology program (Environmental Biology, Water and Wastewater Microbiology, Freshwater Plants and Animals, and Limnological Methods). My BSc was in Freshwater Science from the former Okanagan University College and my MSc focused on bacterioplankton and phytoplankton in lakes. I recently completed a post-graduate diploma in Sanitary Engineering from IHE Delft. Also, I can change from high heels to hip waders in under a minute!

Credentials:
MSc, Environmental Science, UNBC
Post-Graduate Diploma, Sanitary Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water AVÌìÌÃ
BSc, Freshwater Science, OUC

During my undergrad, I was fortunate to work in multiple research labs that provided both field and lab experience. My MSc involved studying chironomids and pollen in lake sediments as predictors of palaeoenvironmental conditions. Following my MSc, I taught invertebrate biology and population ecology labs at Langara College, where my academic interests expanded to include human biology. At OC, I specialize in teaching Anatomy & Physiology and Limnology. I love sharing my passion and enthusiasm for the living world with students. Outside of work, I can be found spending my summers in the lake or photographing something beautiful in nature.

Credentials:
MSc, Biological Sciences, SFU
BSc, General Science, OUC

I am proud to be a former AVÌìÌà student, and feel extremely fortunate to be working and teaching in the same environment that provided me with such a strong start in science. In research, I have used DNA to identify plants, forest fungi and wine yeasts, and spent some time characterizing protein markers for brain tumours. At OC I teach Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology and Microbiology; a collection of courses which provide endless opportunities for me to learn about new discoveries in biology along with my students.

Credentials:
MSc, Genetics, UBC

I teach Human Anatomy and Physiology along with other first-year biology courses at AVÌìÌÃ. I completed my MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UBCO. I have another Master's degree in Microbiology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. My research interests focus on the virulence of water pathogens. I have the experience of working with Cryptosporidium and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Teaching is my passion and I taught Microbiology at Stamford University Bangladesh for 6 years before joining OC.

Credentials:
MSc, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UBCO
MSc, Microbiology, University of Dhaka
BSc, Microbiology, University of Dhaka

I have been teaching biology courses at OC since 2010. Prior to that I taught at universities in both BC and overseas. Despite a background in biochemistry I particularly enjoy teaching vertebrate biology and human anatomy and physiology. I love my job. Carpe diem; I believe in living life to the fullest as tomorrow is never guaranteed. I have enjoyed a plethora of different jobs and have travelled extensively. Ask me about my adventures crossing the Pacific Ocean in a 39’ sail boat, living in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea, hitchhiking 2500 km, or surfing waves in Tonga.

Credentials:
MBA, UMASS
MSc, Chemistry (Biochemistry), UNBC
BSc, Biology/Chemistry, UNBC

My PhD (Memorial University) and post-doc (Texas A&M University) focused on the signals regulating muscle contraction, placental/vascular development, and labour. At OC I have focused on biology course/lab development, as well as continued collaboration with colleagues from prior institutions. My education instilled in me a love of anatomy/physiology, and of teaching biology in general, that drives my current work at the college. My teaching focus is primarily anatomy and physiology and first year courses for science and arts students, which gives me the opportunity to shape the minds of students; hopefully sparking a love of science in them as well.

Credentials:
PhD, Medicine, Memorial University
MEd, Post-secondary AVÌìÌÃ, Memorial University
BSc, Biochemistry, Memorial University