Dr. Davinder Dhalla (PhD '23), Health and Safety Advisor, Campus Safety

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have my roots in Bilaspur, a vibrant, friendly, and culturally diverse city in the state of Chhattisgarh in India. It provided the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling and enriching upbringing. Growing up in a joint family, each day felt like a big, noisy and heartwarming family reunion, where I learned the values of sharing and mutual respect. My father, my unwavering role model, was instrumental in instilling in me the qualities of hard work and perseverance.

After completing my schooling at DAV Public School, I embarked on a journey of higher education that shaped my passion for scientific discovery. It began with a BSc in Biotechnology at Guru Ghasidas Central University, where I first glimpsed the boundless potential for research and innovation within the field. My intrigue only deepened as I pursued an MSc in Bioinformatics, an endeavour that earned me the esteemed University Gold Medal in recognition of my exceptional academic performance.

These experiences paved the way for me to join the University of Lethbridge, where I now serve as a Health and Safety Advisor. This role carries deep personal significance for me because I lost my father to a slip in the bathroom. Since then, I've been driven by an unwavering determination to prevent such accidents and make our surroundings safer. My academic background and my commitment to fostering a secure and thriving environment have converged in this role, enabling me to actively contribute to the well-being of our university community.

The path from my dynamic upbringing in my hometown to becoming a member of the University of Lethbridge is a fusion of every individual I've encountered and drawn wisdom from, along with the myriad experiences that have each played a role in shaping the person I am today.

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I have had the privilege of being a part of the University of Lethbridge community for almost seven years now. My journey began in the fall of 2016 when I joined the university with the goal of pursuing my PhD. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich academic and cultural landscape that ULethbridge offers, experiencing personal growth and learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Just last month, I transitioned into a new role as a Health and Safety Advisor, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in my journey here. As a member of the Campus Safety Services team, I am dedicated to fostering a secure and thriving environment for our university community. My role involves leveraging my knowledge and expertise to ensure that students, faculty and staff can fully engage in their academic pursuits while knowing that their well-being is a top priority.

It's truly fulfilling to contribute to the holistic experience of the University, both as a long-standing community member and now as a fresh addition to the team, working collaboratively towards the shared goal of a safe and enriching campus.

What's the best part of your job?
The profound sense of purpose is the best part of this job. Every day, I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the well-being and safety of our university community. Whether it's developing proactive safety measures, providing guidance on research protocols, or collaborating with diverse groups across campus, knowing that my efforts contribute to creating a secure and supportive environment is incredibly fulfilling.

It's not just about checking boxes; it's about being the go-to person for safety solutions, helping everyone breathe easy and focus on what they do best. Experiencing the rewarding satisfaction of having enhanced safety for my community members is precisely what drives my motivation. There's never a dull day in this role. I am always learning, adapting to new challenges, and finding innovative ways to enhance safety protocols. Furthermore, I am fortunate to be a part of an incredibly awesome team!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I'm a certified space and astronomy geek. You'll often find me immersed in fascinating documentaries and geeking out in multiple NASA seminars and activities – I can't resist the cosmic allure. To keep my mind and body in top form, I'm an active yogi, always stretching and posing my way to zen. Nature is my therapy, and my husband and I escape into the mountains whenever we can for a breath of fresh air and an eyeful of scenic beauty. Our mountain getaways come with an extra dash of excitement – every hike we embark on, we're greeted by our 'wild' friends, the grizzlies.

When I'm not stargazing or hiking, I'm feeding my brain with the exciting scientific research updates. On the creative side, you might catch me with my nose buried in a captivating book, experimenting with flavours in the kitchen or crafting intricate origami creations. So, yeah, when I say I'm busy outside of work, you could say I'm running my own eclectic show!