Rebekah Shin

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Rebekah, and I am a fifth-year Microbiology student at UVic. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, and spent the first half of my life there before my family moved to Victoria when I was 11. I’ve lived here on the island since then and consider it my second home. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for a semester during my first co-op. It was one of the highlights of my undergrad! I had the opportunity to work on culturing porcine embryos during the week and travel to different cities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia on the weekends. Enjoying the amazing food was definitely a bonus!

How did you first get involved with UVic Women in Science?

I first learned about UVic WIS before I started my undergrad, when I attended a science event at UVic during one of my high school classes. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that I volunteered for the WIS’s annual symposium and had the chance to meet some of the members. WIS’ initiatives truly aligned with my values, particularly advocating for the voices of BIPOC women and other underrepresented groups in STEM. I began as a committee member for the Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) and a photographer, and since September 2024, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to expand my involvement and contribute more in my role as Vice President. 

What are your future career goals?

I would love to go into dentistry and return to the island to practice. My goal is to become the first Korean and English-speaking general dentist in Victoria, helping to bridge the language gap in dental healthcare.

Is there any field of research you are particularly interested in?

I’ve always been interested in the immune system and how the human body responds to pathogens and autoimmunity, but I’ve never had the chance to work in a research lab focused on this area. Some of my favourite courses so far have been MICR 303: Immunology, MICR 408: Microbial Pathogenesis, MICR 402: Virology, and BIOL 470: Clinical Cancer. This past semester, I’ve really enjoyed working on and learning about molecular cloning techniques. As part of my role as a lab assistant for the BCMB 301 lab, I’ve been working on a new project to develop a Golden Gate Assembly protocol. It’s a fascinating cloning technique that allows multiple DNA fragments to be assembled into a single construct in a one-pot reaction using Type IIS restriction enzymes and T4 DNA ligase. 

How did you discover your interest in science? 

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after high school, but biology and other science courses were always my favourites. So, I started out at UVic science program as an undeclared student, then made my way into biology. It wasn’t until I took MICR 200 that I discovered my passion for microbiology. Before this, I didn’t even know microbiology was an option for me, so it was a real eye-opener! I definitely recommend trying different science electives in your first and second years, even if you’ve never considered them as options - you never know what might spark your interest!

What is your favourite non-stem hobby/activity?

I love photography, especially film! There’s something special about analog technologies that really clicks with me. In the digital world, it’s easy to forget when or why you took a photo, but with film, each shot feels more intentional and meaningful. I love the excitement and anticipation of carefully choosing what to shoot with just 36 exposures per roll, then waiting to get them developed and scanned. What I also love about photography is the tangible aspects — recognizing beauty in the world around me, capturing fleeting moments, and turning them into something physical and lasting. I haven’t had much time for film photography recently, but one of my goals for 2025 is to post regularly again on my Instagram photo account. 

What advice do you have for people looking to get into your field?

Try to gain as much practical experience as you can through co-op programs, internships, or volunteer work. Coursework and real-world applications can be very different, so these experiences will help you discover your interests and narrow down your career or academic goals. Don’t be afraid to apply for opportunities, even if you think you’re not as qualified as others. Keep trying and don’t lose confidence when facing rejection. The best opportunities I had in undergrad all started from just applying and putting myself out there. 

What is your favourite way to relieve stress and recharge after a long day?

Watching my comfort show and winding down in bed, with some hot tea and snacks!

What media have you been consuming recently? Music, films, books etc…

I love watching movies, especially Asian and European films. I’m always checking the screening schedules at Cinecenta, they often have great selections! Some of my favourite films from last year are Monster, Anatomy of a Fall, Amélie, Happy Together, and Small Things Like These. When it comes to music, I listen to a mix of genres from pop and rock to classical, jazz, and indie. I’m really into Korean music from the ‘80s to the ‘00s, as well as Japanese city pop and fusion jazz/funk bands from the ‘70s to the ‘90s. When I’m doing lab work I like listening to ‘90s rock bands like Oasis, but I also enjoy current indie rock from Korean, Taiwanese, and Japanese bands like Wave to Earth, The Volunteers, Schoolgirl Byebye, and Lamp. I’ve built up a large CD collection over the years, and I love adding to it - whether it’s picking up new albums I like, thrifting, or finding new gems when I travel. 

Who is someone that inspires you and why?

My friends and peers inspire me—they're strong, smart, driven women, each working hard toward their goals. Everyone has unique strengths and qualities that inspire me to reflect on myself and strive to be a better person. I try to recognize these qualities in the people around me, and it motivates me to grow. My sister is also a huge inspiration. She’s never afraid to call me out and always encourages me to try new things. 

What do you find most challenging about your degree?

The most challenging part of my degree has been managing time with a heavy course load, especially in third and fourth year with BCMB labs. The workload often feels like two classes in one, and having other courses with labs and tutorials on top of that makes things even harder. Balancing this with part-time work, volunteering, and other commitments can feel overwhelming. I still struggle to manage everything while trying to maintain my mental health and social life. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of time management—finding strategies that work for you, like using to-do lists and Google Calendar, and developing efficient study techniques.

What do you feel you have gained by being a part of UVic Women in Science?

Being part of UVic WIS has been amazing. It’s given me the chance to meet like-minded people who share my passion for creating a more welcoming and inclusive space in STEM. Navigating through a degree can be challenging, and it can sometimes feel isolating, so I really appreciate the sense of community that I’ve found with WIS. It’s also opened doors to meet people from different fields outside of my program, which has really broadened my perspective. 

Additionally, I’ve gained valuable experience in a leadership position, which has been a fantastic learning opportunity and a challenge in all the best ways. I was also incredibly lucky to meet Natasha through the Peer Mentorship Program as a mentee—she has been an amazing mentor, providing me with so much guidance, compassion, and support. I’m so grateful to her! This semester, I’m excited to give back the support I received by participating as a mentor in the program.