Alicia John is an undergrad in the honours co-op program in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. She has always had a keen interest in science. A life-changing event in the family of close friends had a direct impact on Alicia's life, drawing her to her chosen field of how genetics play a huge part in our lives.

Although her family live afar, they provide a tremendous amount of support, as do fellow students and faculty on campus. Learn about UVic's support for students.

While science can be frustrating at times, especially when experiments are not working, Alicia finds that the challenges and setbacks encountered are greatly outweighed by her eventual successes. Her advice to other students is to not be afraid to approach professors during office hours and, in the words of her father, “when times are tough, just plough through it. If it were meant to be easy, everyone would be doing it.” 

In her spare time, Alicia can be found scrapbooking or spending time with friends watching movies or playing musical bingo. Learn more about biochemistry and microbiology at UVic.