The faces behind the initiative:
Mia Waters, PhD candidate -Zoology (she/her/hers)
President
Grad school can be a roller coaster of emotions and mental health ups and downs. Having a supportive community to ride along with you changes the experience entirely. I've also realized how important it is to design our roller coasters carefully, renovate as necessary, and build scaffolding that helps to increase strength, resiliency, safety, and enjoyment. Am I taking this metaphor too far? Probably. But I've been on my own wild ride, and I am passionate about supporting others on theirs!
I am an advocate for your wellbeing. Please feel free to stop by and chat with me (BRC 236) or send me an email at wellness@biodiversity.ubc.ca
Lydia Fong, PhD candidate - Zoology
(she/her/hers)
Treasurer​
Entering grad school has meant a lot of big changes and having participated in the Wellness Initiative activities has really helped me keep myself grounded. This group has already done a lot of things for me and I want to give back in the best way that I can.
Katie Goodwin, PhD candidate - Botany
(she/her/hers)
Vice president
Life-work balance and mental health have been one of my top priorities throughout my time in grad school. The community building, mindfulness events, and resources that the wellness initiative offers have really helped me in both regards. I am excited to be contributing to the group and to help foster a sense of community and improve wellness amongst graduate students during covid/building construction.
Emma Flatt, PhD Student – Zoology (she/her/hers)
Life does not stop for grad school, and over the last few years, I have learnt how important it is to maintain my work-life balance and ensure that I not only find support to deal with the lows of grad school but also enjoy the highs. I am excited to be part of the wellness initiative as we all work together to improve physical and mental health resources, help build and maintain our community support, and just create opportunities to destress and have fun. I have realized that taking just one hour for myself to attend these events can really shift not just my day but my week, and how important it is to ensure that these events are continually available to grad students.
Jacelyn Shu, Lab Manager – Zoology (she/her/hers)
Former grad student here to plan fun things and support y’all throughout this wild ride of a time known as grad school V
Jessica Stockdale, MSc Student – Botany/Education (she/her/hers)
Navigating grad school is a bit like balancing on a tightrope, challenging but exhilarating. I’ve learned that maintaining balance isn’t just about personal effort but about fostering a supportive community where we lift each other up. I’m excited to contribute to the wellness initiative community to help ensure we all have the tools and encouragement needed to thrive. Here’s to finding our equilibrium together and turning those tightrope walks into powerful strides!
Viktorija JuciÅ«tÄ—, MSc Student – Zoology (she/her/hers)
Community and support are at the heart of everything I do. As a member of the Wellness Initiative, I aspire to help every graduate student feel like they belong. I’m here to represent the quieter voices who might feel too shy to participate in some activities - I am one of you! Finding a space where you feel supported and can support others is truly life-changing, and I’m committed to creating that environment for everyone.
Seojeong Park, PhD Student – Zoology (she/her/hers)
To be kind and warm toward our community, we must first understand, take care of, and be generous to ourselves and that’s what wellness means to me! I’ve always struggled with my own well-being, which is why I joined the WI! I’m particularly interested in the wellness of international students across various spectrums in our community, who often face challenges in adapting to a new culture, language, and environment, in addition to accessing wellness information.
Past members of the Wellness Initiative:
Haley Branch, Founder and President, 2019-2022
Stephanie Blain, Media director
Darwin Sodhi, Outreach coordinator
Amy Liu, Communications officer
Karen Thulasi Devendrakumar, Art events director
Ellen Nikelski, Vice president
Carla Di Filippo, Event coordinator
Nick Bard, Media co-director and Botany Graduate Students Association Wellness Rep
Rebecca Hansen, Media co-director
Daniel Laronde
Nathalie Chardon, Postdoc representative