My name is Brooke Vandenberg and I am entering my second year of the BCom program with the Gustavson School of Business. I am passionate about learning as much as I can and using my knowledge to help others.

My name is Natalie Denux, I am a third-year student at the Gustavson School of Business at UVic. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, painting, and hiking. Throughout this VKURA internship, I have gained a deeper understanding of the public health sector in British Columbia and reflected on the ways in which a society can be built to best support the well-being and health of its inhabitants. I hope to use my commerce degree in the future to work alongside communities and businesses to develop ways to make them environmentally-conscious and sustainable.

My name is Zitan Wang. I’m an international student from China entering my second year at Gustavson School of Business. I am a curious person who enjoys learning and trying new things. In my free time, I like to listen to music, watch movies, read, and dance. The VKURA internship was an amazing and unique experience, and I learned many things from it. Though I’m not yet sure what I want to do after graduation, I am excited to see where my future will take me!

My name is Brianne Smith. I am a mature student at UVIC studying Computer Science and Psychology. I have a keen interest in health technology and medical imaging. And leveraging technology and AI to mitigate inequities within the healthcare system. This interest is largely driven by experiences I gained working as a paramedic in rural Northern BC as a young adult. When I’m not studying, I love to spend time outside with my family. We particularly enjoy rock climbing, kite boarding, and skiing.

Elliot Gustafson is a 21 year old student who has completed three years at the University of Victoria and is entering his fourth year in his pursuit of bachelor’s in economics and a minor in data science. He plans on using this research and skills from his degree to pursue a consulting career and see where that takes him.

Megan Parmar is starting her second year at the University of Victoria in the Biomedical Engineering Program. Originally from a small town in northern Alberta, the move to the island has been a big change, but a positive one. Through the VKURA internship, she had the opportunity to contribute to multiple ongoing projects and develop independent lab experience. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring the city.

My name is Aymon Jindani, and I am heading into my second year of Computer Science at UVic. I was born in Hyderabad, Pakistan, and grew up in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E, a city close to Dubai. My programming skills include Python, Java and C#. I always look to broaden my knowledge in math by finding challenges online or with my friends. In my free time, I like to play table tennis, volleyball and basketball.

Sofiia is going into her second year of computer science at the University of Victoria. She was born and raised in Ukraine and moved to Canada three years ago. After successfully finishing her first year in UViC and completing the summer internship her enthusiasm for computer science and programming has only increased! Apart from that, she is passionate about different dance styles and music genres.

Pouria Tolouei is a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Victoria. He was born in Iran but moved to Malaysia after the fifth grade. He graduated from a Canadian international school in Malaysia before moving again to pursue post-secondary education in Canada. Being in new and unfamiliar environments has helped him take initiatives outside of his comfort zone such as signing up for the VKURA internship. He enjoys programming and watching his programs tackle complex tasks, but in his free time, he enjoys gaming. That is where the idea for his internship came from.

My name is Kai Michaud and I am a mechanical engineering undergraduate at the University of Victoria. I love astronomy, math and making things. My perfect life would be a trickshot where I could improve the lives of others through the exploration of those interests, so that’s what I’m shooting for. Outside of school I love working out, playing the banjo and programming.

Courtney Bill is currently pursuing a degree in creative writing. Her short fiction has appeared in PRISM International, Canthius, The /tƐmz/ Review, Literary Heist, Frighten the Horses, This Side of West, and elsewhere.

Bella (Nhien) Nguyen began playing the flute when she was twelve years old, and since then, she continuously strives to improve her performance. Through her studies under Dr. Suzanne Snizek, she deepens and explores her curiosity regarding contemporary music and the various techniques implemented to enhance expressiveness. Bella specializes in flute performance due to her determination to share the beauty, vulnerability, and profound meaning that music can bring to an individual’s life and hopes to unite the peoples under the umbrella of sound, if only for a while.

Nim (any pronouns) is a double major in Gender Studies and Pacific and Asian Studies. Being BIPOC, trans, and disabled, they are particularly interested in how intersections of our identities impact our lives. In their free time, they enjoy making art and celebrating transness.

Sofia Spiteri is a second-year History student at the University of Victoria. Her academic interests lie in post-WWII United States history, with a particular emphasis on international relations during the 1960s and 1970s. In her free time, Sofia loves writing, hiking, and listening to music.

Delwyn yiatsih. Yändia’wich iwayitiohkou’tenh, Wendat endi’ (My name is Delwyn, I am turtle clan of the Wendat Nation). This will be my second year living and going to school on Lək̓ʷəŋən territory, where I will be continuing my “2nd year” of a Civil Engineering degree that I started at North Island College. While I am in engineering, I am also very passionate about language revitalisation, all our non-human relations, territory management, and so much more.

My name is Owen, and I’m moving into my second year of the Physics program. My eventual goal is to complete a combined Math and Physics honours degree, and attend graduate school. I grew up in North Saanich, and have lived here my entire life. I worked in a coffee shop in Sidney for 5 years alongside school, and have developed an appreciation for good coffee. If you see me around campus, ask me what’s in my mug!

Damilola Akintola is heading into his third year studying Biochemistry. His passions lie in understanding the processes involved in autoimmune diseases and he hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

My name is Brookelyn White. I am going into my second year at UVic completing a double major in biochemistry and biology. Outside of school I enjoy spending my time outdoors doing things like swimming, playing soccer, and hiking. Following the completion of my Bachelor of Science I would love to attend medical school to pursue a career in the medical field. I am very grateful for the experience and skills I gained in the lab this summer and am very excited to be able to continue helping Liza in the Moffit lab this coming fall.

Anakin Bennett is an indigenous student entering their third year of a double major BSc in Biology and Environmental Studies and is originally from Surrey, BC. He’s interested in conservation ecology and working to reduce the impact of anthropogenic activity. His hobbies include hiking, sailing, reading, and baking.

Paula Mali is a science student from White Rock, BC, entering her second year at UVic, intending to pursue a biology major with a statistics minor. She enjoys playing the piano and swimming at the pool in her free time.

I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado but hold dual citizenship and felt that Victoria would be a good place to pursue higher education. I am primarily interested in the future of the financial sector but remain curious about many things, like the effects of a greener economy, and applications of higher math.

Maria is beginning her second year at UVic working towards a BA in Sociology. She moved to Victoria from Langley, BC and has enjoyed the change in scenery and in day-to-day life that came with the move. Outside of UVic, Maria enjoys spending time exploring beaches/parks on Vancouver Island, and working on her CD/Vinyl music collection.

My name is Mariana Verdejo and I am a double major student in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. I was born in Mexico City where I completed my International Bachelor (IB) but moved to Victoria three years ago to pursue my education and interest in sustainability. I am passionate about culture, nature, and social issues. In my free time I enjoy biking, going to museums, and trying new food.

Nicole Campbell is a student in the Department of Anthropology entering her second year of studies. Born and raised in Kelowna, BC, she attended the Justice Institute of British Columbia in the Paramedicine and Health Sciences program, before moving to Victoria to pursue a degree in Anthropology.

I am Divyansh Kataria and I am a third-year BSC Economics – Stats minor at the University Of Vicotria. I have always loved working with numbers and anything that involves data & money. Outside of school in my free time, I love playing chess and going on hikes.

I’m Kelechi, a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in economics/finance and a business minor. My choice of economics stems from my curiosity and flair to tackle problems. I am interested in development economics and aspire to use the skills and experience gained at university to solve real world problems within her community. I spend my spare time reading and writing short stories and poetry, cooking, gardening, and learning random facts about anything.

My name is Annika Little and I am a second year Psychology BSc student. I was born and raised in Victoria and love living on the island. In my spare time I like to read, rock climb, cross stitch and binge Grey’s Anatomy! I hope to complete the Honours program at Uvic, so I am very grateful for the opportunity to pursue research early on in my degree with the VKURA awards.

Nika Marefat is entering her second year at UVic as a Psychology student in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her academic and professional interests include medicine, neuroscience, biotechnology, and behavioural economics. Her ultimate goal is to aid in reducing the inequities and lack of availability she has witnessed in healthcare. Beyond academia, she finds joy in reading, writing, and pilates.

Jennifer Rodriguez is an uninvited guest in the Lək̓ʷəŋən territory who comes from the traditional lands of the Manta People (Central Coast of Ecuador). She is entering her third year in the Anthropology and Environmental Studies double major program. She has always been keen on understanding the relationships between humans and plants. Her studies focus on native flora diversity, ecological restoration and cultural landscapes. She enjoys staring at plants while hiking in the wilderness and volunteering with local organizations to remove invasive species.

At the University of Victoria, Parker is pursuing a double major in Economics and Environmental Studies with a Finance concentration. She was a YCAA (June 2022) award recipient, recognizing her recycling reformations and her One Planet Saanich contributions, including speaking alongside Saanich’s immediate-past mayor, Fred Haynes, when the municipality accepted a Carbon Disclosure Project award. Over the summer, she worked to supplement the Environmental Studies half of her degree with the support of the Ecogastronomy Research Group and the VKURA research award.