PhD Proud: School of Nursing’s first doctoral grads
After travelling very different paths, Ann Syme and Kara Schick Makaroff convocate together this November with PhDs in nursing. While their journeys differ, Syme and Makaroff share feelings of pride mixed with relief as the first two students to graduate from the School of Nursing’s relatively new doctoral program, launched in 2006.
Grad student explores the mysteries of the deep sea
When you ask Katleen ‘Kat’ Robert, a scuba diving enthusiast, what brought her to UVic to pursue her MSc degree, she says it was the irresistible pull of the ocean and the chance to study marine biology up close and personal. Little did she know that her diving experience at UVic would involve an all-day 2,100-metre trip to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
Grad uses theatre to help others quit smoking
Quitting smoking can be tough, but imagine the added pressure of trying to quit while living with a mental illness. University of Victoria applied theatre researcher Lauren Jerke, who will receive her master’s degree at Fall Convocation, doesn’t have to imagine this scenario—she wrote a play about it.
Psychology grad follows her dual passions
Nichole Williams knew at 15 years old she wanted to study psychology and make a difference in the lives of people suffering from dependence issues. Williams graduates this month with an honours degree in psychology; fulfilling the first of many goals she has set for herself. Her honours thesis on homelessness and alcohol dependence explored how policy measures can be used to help Victoria’s most vulnerable populations.
Opportunity keeps knocking for new grad
Even before Lara Dahle graduated, prospective employers approached her, asking to be notified upon her graduation. This might not be so surprising for this exceptional student, but it is the norm for many students in her program. She is graduating with a bachelor of science in health information science.
PhD grad contributes to ATLAS particle detector
Lorraine Courneyea, who graduates this month with her PhD in high-energy physics, just completed the kind of program that every particle-physicist-in-the-making dreams of.
Women’s Studies grad brings formidable intellect to understand society’s most vulnerable
Sinead Charbonneau didn’t picture herself attending UVic when she attended Esquimalt High School. Charbonneau is the first of her family to graduate from university and recalls that UVic “didn’t really exist for me” when she was growing up. During her final year of high school, spent with her extended Métis family in Medicine Hat, AB, she was introduced to the work of filmmaker and UVic women’s studies professor, Christine Welsh, who inspired Charbonneau to apply.
Work term in China leads to full-time career
While many soon-to-be graduates are preparing to dive into job search mode, Jason Zapantis can rest easy. The mechanical engineering graduate has been employed by Victoria’s Silian Sapphire for four years, and is happily settled into his role as process engineer.
Law grad reaches back in time for safety of children and families
UVic law graduate Nancy Sandy, LLM, looks back to her childhood memories of the Secwepemc world for inspiration in finding and revitalizing St'exelcemc laws, values and customs. Her research has led her to work on the land with many First Nations. One memory of her mother, who passed away in 2003, resonates just as strongly as the echoes from majestic landscapes.
James McAra: An entrepreneur who loves to dance
James McAra, this year’s Gustavson School of Business Bachelor of Commerce Program silver medalist, likes a challenge. “I heard about this medal when I was in first year,” says McAra. “I like having something to aim for so decided that I was going to try to win it.”
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