What better way to explore a new experience, while figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life than doing an internship with the British High Commission in Ottawa (or in other posts around the world, where opportunities arise)?
It is once again my pleasure to introduce you another of our fabulous interns, Alexandra Weirich. Alex and I have crossed paths before, when she was an undergraduate student in the University of Ottawa Co-op Program, and I was a research scientist in industry (small biotech to be precise). At that time, Alex was working in our labs, doing Real-Time PCR! Well now our paths have crossed once again, under completely different circumstances, leading to completely new adventures. Alexandra will be with us on a part-time basis, taking on special projects that come up and assisting with various SIN schemes.
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.