As a research technician I was responsible for organizing and implementing pre-clinical pharmaceutical trials for potential potential treatments of Parkinson’s Disease. I planned out study timelines, acquired all necessary materials and equipment, arranged for use of core facilities and coordinated the operation of teams of scientists and technicians.In addition to planning logistics I personally implemented these studies from start-to-finish. This involved completing highly technical procedures including surgical and non-surgical methods of drug administration, neurosurgery, behavioural testing, radioligand binding, histology, immunofluorescence and stereology.

While working as a veterinary technician I was responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of experimental mice, rats, ferrets, rabbits and pigs across multiple core facilities. This involved coordinating with veterinarians to safely monitor an animal’s recovery as well as performing several technical procedures.

As much as I enjoyed doing research the most rewarding part of my Master's degree was getting the opportunity teach the next generation of investigators. As a teaching assistant I managed all kinds of courses from teaching labs to grading positions. My specific tasks varied form course-to-course but included preparing and presenting lectures, communicating laboratory procedures, providing demonstrations of techniques, providing support and guidance during labs, tutoring students during office hours and grading assignments and exams -not to mention organizing a group project in a lecture hall of 500-students!

One of the biggest surprises I experienced in Graduate School was how much I enjoyed administering exams. While the days were long and often draining I really felt like I made an impact on students at a time when they are under substantial amounts of stress. Whether it was escorting students to the washroom, re-reading a question for clarity or just being a calming and reassuring voice it was very rewarding to help them so much with a few simple gestures. Additionally I got to work with a great mix of dedicated and professional people I wouldn't have otherwise met at the University.

I Monitored hormone levels for populations of red squirrels in the Yukon and Kawartha Highlands. This involved leading small teams responsible for conducting behavioural testing and blood sampling of squirrels. I later analyzed these samples using a radioimmunoassay technique.

In this position I worked at the resort's day camp and provided child care for children aged 1-18 years. This position required me to forge trusting relationships with guests who needed to feel confident that their young children would have a safe and enjoyable time under my supervision. I also worked one-on-one with exceptional campers (Down's Syndrome, deafness, ADHD, Autism).Additionally, I operated as the resort’s official first aid responder during evening hours.

As a work-study in the Harrison Lab I was primarily charged with laboratory maintenance. My duties included the typical tasks associated with entry level molecular research: developing and maintaining an inventory database, washing and sterilizing laboratory equipment, and preparing reagent solutions. It was not terribly exciting work but it was my first exposure to research and the lab had a great core staff to work with. Additionally, towards the end of my term I was trusted with taking on more advanced techniques such as immunofluorescent staining and microscopy.

I was primarily responsible for assisting customers with their product selections. I also administered POS checkout, inventory maintenance and merchendizing.