Rossi Marx is a senior lab instructor and sessional lecturer in the Department of Biology. Marx, a neurobiologist, is passionate about fostering a learning environment for students.

When asked if there was a life experience that led her to pursue a career in science, Rossi shared that as a young girl in Germany, she was discouraged from pursuing an educational path. She was told that there was no need to attend high school as she would soon be married and have a family. (There, going to high school is a privilege, not a given, and only those who have earned high marks are allowed to go.)

Rossi fought hard and persisted and—since she had the marks and the support of her teachers—she went. Although she was further discouraged from taking science she did so anyway, receiving top marks and continuing her education, earning several scholarships and awards along the way!

In Rossi’s words, it was for “purely selfish reasons: I am an instructor—that is how I define myself, as simple as that, with the need to share my enthusiasm for science and biology in particular. To see that interest awakened or shared in a student, to see the light bulb come on when a student is tackling a difficult question—there simply is nothing like it!”   

Inspiring colleagues make a difference

What stands out for Rossi from her experience at UVic are “the amazing and incredible colleagues and students.” She feels her colleagues and co-workers in all the science departments on campus are inspiring, knowledgeable, supportive, and helpful. 

Rossi is particularly proud of the fact that science provides opportunities for hands-on experiences for students, who continue to impress and amaze her.

In Rossi’s words, “working in an academic environment is very rewarding. There are others who share your enthusiasm whom you can talk to and learn from and exchange ideas with. It is exhilarating and humbling at the same time, and it provides a freedom that is not found in any other workplace.  It is not just ‘a job’, but a calling for people who are incredibly dedicated. I also appreciate that it is a multi-cultural environment where shared interests and goals are important and differences in background are not barriers but points of interest.”

Being inspired by students

Rossi appreciates being able to watch the students over the years and follow their progress. She's still in contact with a number who have long since graduated. Being able to forge relationships like that, to be involved in the students’ education, see them go through their program, and succeed once they leave UVic, is incredibly rewarding for her. 

Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair

As a graduate student, Rossi was introduced to the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair. The fair is held at and supported by UVic, and she first participated as a judge. Since she strongly believes that we need to introduce young students to science, getting involved with the Science Fair provided the perfect opportunity. She is now the chair of the fair, and her involvement has given her the opportunity to get to know a lot of incredible people. It has also allowed her to meet members of other organizations, such as Let’s Talk Science, who believe in the same goals as she does.

Read more about Rossi in A Day in the Life: Dr. Rossi Marx.