Our New SIN Intern at the British High Commission in Ottawa – Alexandra Weirich

I’m currently a graduate student in biochemistry at the University of Ottawa, but spend a significant amount of time reconciling other pursuits as a volunteer for science outreach and, more recently, as an intern with the Science and Innovation team at the British High Commission.

I was born and grew up in Ottawa. I often think I’d like to live elsewhere; having gone to school briefly in Switzerland and lived for a year in Germany, but I keep finding myself back in Canada’s capital.

I spend most of my time in a lab at the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology teasing out intricate cellular mechanisms. My work there focuses on a mechanism of control of cellular division. The question I’m investigating is: how does one cell ensure that it produces two genetically identical cells when it divides?

The great thing about living in Ottawa is all the gorgeous scenic motivation to enjoy the outdoors and be active. It’s a little less difficult to force yourself out of bed in the morning when you will be running or biking along the Rideau Canal… Although, I’m always finding excuses to travel and explore places I’ve never been.

Following along the same vein, I like to get involved in things I’ve never done whilst searching for what I want to be when I grow up. That tendency led me to this internship with the Science and Innovation team at the British High Commission. Luckily I’ve worked with Nicole before, so I have a bit of an idea what I’m in for… So far it promises lots of science and tons of interesting projects.