Shining Students - ULethbridge Stories

Shining Student Lena Dornan

Lena's time at ULethbridge has been shaped by her love of languages and lifelong learning. Having grown up in French Immersion and learned Spanish through travel and her studies, she's now ready to share her passion for literacy as she fulfills her dream of teaching internationally in Mexico.

Shining Student Michael D'Souza

Michael, a PhD candidate in Biomolecular Science, chose ULethbridge for its unique focus on viral research and the collaborative, supportive environment of the Laboratory of Medicinal Biophysics under Dr. Trushar Patel.

Shining Student Tait Hoyem

Tait Hoyem’s journey to the University of Lethbridge began as a practical decision to transfer credits from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). However, what started as a convenient pathway has transformed into a deeply meaningful academic and personal experience.

Shining student Kaitlyn Dilling

Kaitlyn Dilling chose ULethbridge to study nursing because of its focus on hands-on experience and early entry into a clinical setting.

Shining student Morgan Porter

Morgan Porter knew early on that she wanted to be a nurse. She is genuinely fascinated with how the body works and loves connecting with people. Her instructors at ULethbridge pushed her in ways she never expected, and shaped her as a student and as a future nurse.

Shining Student Carl Day

Carl Day began his studies at the University of Lethbridge in 2021, initially planning to pursue a career in accounting. However, after some guidance from his father, Carl made the switch to science, choosing chemistry as his field of study — he’s not a fan of microscopes!

Shining student Sarah Thompson

After an independent research study involving people with Parkinson's disease, Sarah Johnson changed her focus to health care and she's never looked back!

Shining student Mich Arevalo

Mich Arevalo has always wanted to help and care for others, especially vulnerable populations. As a nurse, he is fulfilling his dream.

Shining Student Elizabeth Orel (BSc '22)

After completing a bachelor's in kinesiology at ULethbridge, Elizabeth Orel was drawn to nursing to filfil her dream of pursuing a career in health care.

Shining Student SarahAnn Walker

SarahAnn Walker’s ULethbridge journey began in 2020 after her inspiring experience in the HYRS program. She discovered her passion for biochemistry while working in the University’s labs as a high school student.

Shining Student Cameron Bluekens

Meet Cameron Bluekens, a dedicated Bachelor of Arts student majoring in philosophy at the University of Lethbridge. Through curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to explore new ideas, Cameron has navigated an evolving academic journey that reflects her passion for learning and self-discovery.

Shining Graduate Student Chelsea White (BFA - New Media '24)

Shining Graduate Student Chelsea White (BFA - New Media '24) is deeply interested in the intersections of artificial intelligence, art, agency and identity.

Shining Student Emily Carver

From unravelling the mysteries of black hole binaries through hands-on research to mastering the art of learning in a wind orchestra, Emily Carver has embraced every opportunity to grow academically, personally, and creatively.

Shining Student Emily Brouwer

Nearing the end of her educational journey at the University of Lethbridge, Emily attributes much of her success to her student-teacher internships and the peers, faculty and friends who have played a significant role in her growth as a teacher.

Shining Student David Forestell

Balancing his roles as a husband and father, and driven by a passion for learning and a commitment to making the world a better place, David Forestell has found inspiration in the classroom and beyond.

Shining Student Jelayna Hyggen

A true advocate for putting your passions first, Jelayna is making the most out of her time at the University of Lethbridge by being open-minded to new experiences and embracing the challenges that come her way.

Shining Student Scott Tersteeg

Scott Tersteeg (BSc '22) is a dedicated biochemistry graduate student whose journey at ULethbridge began with a passion for research. Now pursuing his Master of Science, Scott focuses on RNA viruses like Dengue and West Nile, studying their replication processes to identify potential drug targets.

Shining Student Cameron Anderson

Cameron’s academic journey is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity. Initially drawn to political science through a liberal education requirement, he discovered a passion for exploring how political environments shape human development.

Shining Student Liz Radke

Liz Radke has always known she wanted to teach. The oldest of six, Liz vividly recalls gathering her siblings to teach them 'school' with complete lessons and report cards. Today, Liz brings that same enthusiasm for teaching to the classroom, where her love for education remains unwavering.

Shining Student Divya Pateliya

Divya Pateliya is laying the foundation for a future at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. At the University of Lethbridge, he has merged his interests in computer science and business as he pursues a combined degrees program.

Shining Student Danika Tarasewich

Meet Danika Tarasewich, a student whose path at ULethbridge has been defined by resilience, curiosity, and a genuine connection to the community.

Shining Student Marc Tardif

A dedicated mycologist and bowyer, Marc is channeling his curiosity and passion for the natural world into his University of Lethbridge experience, bringing enthusiasm to both his personal pursuits and his teaching.

Shining Student Emma Marnik

Emma Marnik has embraced every opportunity to learn and grow at ULethbridge, combining her passion for environmental science with hands-on experiences in the lab and field.

Shining Student Sii'piapaikkana (Night Shining), Dakota Wadsworth

Dakota Wadsworth's (ISSC '24) time at the University of Lethbridge is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of community.

Shining Student Amber Kramer

Amber Kramer knew as soon as she decided that she wanted to go back to school that she wanted to take the Addictions counselling program. She hopes to continue on the the Masters of Counselling program here at ULethbridge and eventually open up her own private practice.