Bethany ROBSON
Tell us about yourself.
I am Bethany! I'm taking a break year and am just finishing my physics course to complete my bachelor's. After that, I have a master's in forest biology lined up, which I am excited about. Some interesting things about me are that I have a twin finishing up her Ph.D. at UVic in the same department as me. I'm a mom and like to read, run, bake, cook and play games.
How did you first get involved with UVic WIS?
I got involved because of my sister. She used to be part of the grants and funding committee, and she was getting close to the end of her Ph.D., so she asked if I would like to shadow her. I did that for a year, and then I took over. I was approached to see if I was interested in changing my position from grants and funding director to treasurer, which has recently been absorbed into the finance committee!
What are your future career goals?
I will start with my master's and hope to complete a Ph.D. eventually. The thing I really like is research. I like being on the edge of knowing what's going on; it's a bit crazy but a lot of fun. It has put all of the other jobs I have ever had to shame, and I don't think I could live without research now. My particular interest is carbon cycling in forests.
Is there any field of research you are particularly interested in?
I currently work at the Pacific Forestry Centre one day a week and was lucky enough to do several work terms there throughout my degree. I have also worked on paleoecology and carbon cycling in the fire cycle. It all boils down to carbon cycling at its base, but how many different subfields it touches is incredible.
Some people discover they are interested in science at a young age, while others find out much later. Tell us about how this experience was for you.
This was very much later in life for me! I had just finished school and thought I would be into computers and programming, but that fell through right after graduating. I was not sure what I wanted to do, and then I met my husband and had kids, and that was my goal for a long time. Before I moved here, I was at this community college doing business and liked economics, so I planned to study that when we moved. I got into the program, and then my sister suggested I take Biology as an elective, and I found myself in Biology 184, my first year. I had this fantastic professor and fell in love with science, and although I enjoyed Economics, I ended up switching to Biology.
What is your favourite non-stem hobby or activity?
There are so many good answers, but the thing I do most is play Dungeons and Dragons. My sister and I and our respective families live in the same house, and we play together every Saturday night. This is the thing I look forward to most every week.
What is one piece of advice you have for people looking to get into your field?
The thing I recommend the most is getting involved with the labs in your department. There are lots of ways to do that. You can take directed studies, volunteer in a lab, or complete a work-study; all can be excellent ways to get your foot in the door. In biology, we take many lecture courses and pre designed labs, which are different from what research feels and looks like. If you are interested in going into science, getting involved with a working lab is beneficial to see if it's for you.
What is your favourite way to relieve stress and recharge after a hard day?
I have two things that I do. I love baths, typically some Epsom salts and a good book. The second way is after dinner, we all sit down and watch a show together, which is usually an excellent way to unwind at the end of the day.
What media have you been consuming recently? TV, music, podcasts, movies?
I have been listening to a Dungeons and Dragons podcast called Critical Role. I have also been reading a book called All the Light We Cannot See. It is a Pulitzer Prize book, and I am having a hard time putting it down.
Who is someone who inspires you?
I have so many people who inspire me in many different ways. There was this one lady that I used to work with, and she was just the loveliest person. I had a lot of anxiety when I was younger and felt not very peaceful and calm, and this lady was so effervescently peaceful. Working with her for a few years, I learned to be peaceful; she had this great way of looking at life. The other person that comes to mind is Dr. Hawkins. She manages to accomplish so many things, and even though she is always busy, she gives you time in a way that makes you feel like you can have all the time. She is the kind of person who cares so much for her students; I would love to be that person one day.
What do you find most challenging about your degree/ career?
Learning how to collaborate with people constructively. Especially on more significant projects, there are many different ideas and ways of keeping records and things. When working on a project with someone or trying to decide on a course of action, it is often quite challenging to mesh ideas diplomatically. Despite this, working with others is also the most rewarding part!
What do you feel you have gained by being a part of UVic WIS??
I have learned a lot about fundraising. It can be highly challenging because UVic has a sizable financial system, but now that I have learned to navigate it, I would be set if I were to do it anywhere else!
