Biological Sciences - ULethbridge Stories

School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit Winner Jaxon Reiter

As a first-generation university student, School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit Winner Jaxon Reiter found purpose not only in his research on plant genetics and development, but also in the classroom.

Shining Student Ash Mosabeb-Omran

Ash Mosabeb-Omran’s journey at ULethbridge exemplifies the power of discovery and growth. From exploring freshwater ecosystems to leading groundbreaking synthetic biology research as the iGEM wet lab lead, Ash has embraced every opportunity to learn, connect, and innovate.

Shining Student Annelise Den Hertog

Annelise Den Hertog followed her passion for biology to the University of Lethbridge, where she embraced experiential, hands-on learning.

Shining Student Kaitlyn Stevens chooses to look at the bright side of life

Kaitlyn Stevens hasn't let health issues slow her down now that she's found a passion for biology, and she's taken the initiative to pursue every opportunity for even greater exposure in that field.

What’s the buzz? Pollinators are hard at work

Drs. Shelley Hoover and Dan Johnson share their expertise on pollinators.

Creating a legacy for rural well-being

A passion for science spurred Christine Burton and her twin daughters, Beverly and Tracy, to create the Burton Family Bursary for Women. As rural physicians, Beverly and Tracy and their fellow doctors at The Associate Clinic in Pincher Creek also established a scholarship.

Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister on International Day of Women and Girls in Science: be the difference

Alumna Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister provides words of inspiration and reflects on her own journey as a woman in science, to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Shining Student Courtlynd Cherpin

Courtlynd Cherpin chose the University of Lethbridge for its exceptional education program and cutting-edge facilities like the Science Commons. Her dedication to understanding science is evident in her summer research experiences, particularly her work in the University Herbarium.

Shining Student Layton VandeStroet

Layton VandeStroet's academic journey at the University of Lethbridge has been marked by impactful experiential learning, engaging in independent studies on topics ranging from toxic alkaloids in grain feed to E. coli growth.

Students brush up on art skills to gain new perspective in biology class

Student's in Professor Jenny Burke's biology class got a helping hand with their sketching exercise, thanks to a collaborative effort with the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Madison Demers combined her science and teaching interests for a combined BSc/BEd

Madison Demers (BSc/BEd '23) pursued both her love of biology and teaching others through the combined degrees option offered at the University of Lethbridge.

ULethbridge biology professor collaborates with grad student on engaging recap of research work

Endangered plants in Canada don't enjoy the same public attention and concern that at-risk animals do. ULethbridge professor Jenny McCune collaborated with a New Media grad to try and change that.

Collegiate and high school iGEM teams work to counteract clubroot and aquaculture disease

At the University of Lethbridge, the award-winning undergraduate and high school iGEM teams are spending their summers focusing on separate but critical projects in counteracting clubroot and targeting disease in aquaculture.

Q&A with Spring 2023 graduate Jessica Haenni

Jessica Haenni (BSc '23) is a leader on the basketball court. When the clock is counting down, you want the ball in her hands. Her leadership doesn't stop when the game is over. Jessica is a shining student with a bright future of helping others through a career in physiotherapy.

Dilini Abeyrama - School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy

Dilini Abeyrama (PhD ’23), a dedicated scientist from Sri Lanka, has earned the Graduate Studies Silver Medal of Merit (PhD) at ULethbridge. Her journey is truly inspiring, reflecting her unwavering dedication to academia.

Shining Graduate Kirsty McFadyen nurtures a passion for plant ecology at ULethbridge

Kirsty McFadyen’s (BSc Co-op ’23) ULethbridge journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and interdisciplinary learning. Through her dedication to scientific discovery and the invaluable mentorship of Dr. McCune, Kirsty discovered her passion for plant ecology and conservation.

Shining Student Kailyn Baum

Despite already knowing that a degree in biological sciences at ULethbridge would set her up for a future in veterinary medicine, Shining Student Kailyn Baum joined the Co-operative Education program to broaden her scope of career possibilities and try new experiences.

Shining Student Jessenia Buzunis-Delagneau

Shining Student Jessenia Buzunis-Delagneau knew what she wanted to study for a long time before she came to ULethbridge. Philosophy is her life's passion, and she has always been very excited and interested in the beauty and complexity of life on Earth.

Shining Student Alyssa Groves

Shining Student Alyssa Grove's involvement in research early on in her degree enabled her to define the area of medicine she intends to pursue after graduation. She now plans to become a physician and work in rural Albertan communities instead of in veterinary medicine.

Shining Student Baillie Cej

Baillie Cej began her biological sciences studies at ULethbridge in 2018 with the intention of attending medical school after graduation. Those plans have shifted dramatically as she approaches the end of her degree. Instead, Baillie has been inspired to pursue research and become a professor.

Shannon Healy Knibb (BSc Co-op '20)

"Each opportunity led to the next, and I was able to get involved in research in the fields of neuroscience, agriculture, microbiology and cell biology." - Shannon Healy Knibb (BSc Co-op '20)

Shining Student Ally De Jonge

Shining Student Ally De Jonge discovered archaeology by taking courses outside of her major. This past summer, she was privileged to be part of a team of students to excavate at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

Shining Student Karina Almeida Villalba

A ULethbridge, Shining Student Karina Almeida Villalba overcame diversity and became the person she "always wanted to be,” thanks partly to unparalleled encouragement from her professors and a supportive environment.

Shining Student Amy Henrickson

Shining Student Amy Henrickson (BSc Co-op '17) chose to pursue her grad studies at uLethbridge as she was interested in the work of one of our new professors and excited to learn in the Science Commons.

Darren Van Essen will cross the stage in recognition of his degree received in 2020

We recently caught up with Darren Van Essen (BSc '20) to find out where the world of medicine has taken him since graduating in 2020, and what it means to him to finally cross the stage at our convocation celebrations on June 1, 2022.