Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Taber and grew up in Grassy Lake and Taber before moving to Lethbridge for middle and high school. After graduating from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, I came directly to the University of Lethbridge, where I earned my BSc in Chemistry in 1977. I worked with Dr. Loren Hepler for two summers, followed by a summer research position with Drs. Bryan Kolb and Ian Whishaw, before heading to graduate school at the University of Alberta. That early introduction to neuroscience helped shape the career I would eventually build back at ULethbridge.
How long have you been at ULethbridge, and what do you do here?
I have worked at ULethbridge since September 1984 — more than 42 years! I began as a research technician in Dr. Bryan Kolb’s lab and worked with him full-time until 1999. That September, I returned to student life, completing my MSc in Neuroscience in 2001 and my PhD in Neuroscience in 2004, both under Bryan’s supervision, while continuing to work part-time in his lab. I was the first student to enrol in ULethbridge’s PhD program and one of the first two to graduate.
In July 2004, I joined the Department of Neuroscience as a term assistant professor. Following two successful Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) grant applications, I was offered a tenure-track position and promoted to associate professor in 2012, then to full professor in 2019. Today, I serve as department chair and teach Introduction to Behavioural Neuroscience (NEUR 2620), Research Methods in Neuroscience (NEUR 3605), and summer courses for the Teaching, Learning and Neuroscience MEd cohort. My connection to the University has grown through many roles: undergraduate student, technician, graduate student, researcher, teacher and now Chair.
Are you a ULethbridge alum? If so, what program and year?
Yes — three times over! I earned my BSc in Chemistry in 1977, my MSc in Neuroscience in 2001 and my PhD in Neuroscience in 2004.
What’s the best part of your job?
Working with talented undergraduate and graduate students is definitely the highlight. I love seeing their curiosity grow and watching them develop confidence in their abilities as researchers.
I also enjoy bringing neuroscience into the community through Building Brains Together (BBT). We offer programming for preschoolers, teens and older adults, helping people strengthen skills that support learning and well-being throughout life. This year, we are expanding to include infant massage training for parents and caregivers in partnership with the YMCA. It is rewarding to see our work reach people at so many stages of life.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love volunteering at the Barons United Church Thrift Shop on Saturdays. The shop supports the church’s operations, and I also serve as chair of the church board. It is a wonderful way to stay connected to the community.
Family time is another big part of my life. I especially enjoy cheering on my grandchildren at their hockey, ringette, volleyball, rugby and baseball games. With eight grandchildren and that many sports, there is always someone to cheer for!