Future Students

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology degree last April, Marissa Wright-LaGreca immediately began working in the Centre for Shellfish Research.

She is researching the first 24 hours of shell development in Pacific oyster larvae, hoping to find out how growth is impacted by changing seawater conditions such as ocean acidification. The results of her project could help hatcheries select oysters that are more resilient to harsher ocean conditions.

Our President, Dr. Deborah Saucier, hopes you have a safe, restful and relaxing winter break, and to get things started on a positive note, check out her holiday video. We also want to wish you all the best on your exams.

Emily Mahony is a second-year Bachelor of Science student who is focusing on Biology and Chemistry with a special interest in the brain and its functions. We asked her what her educational experience has been like so far and where she draws her inspiration.

Final exams and big semester-end papers are among the most challenging aspects of the university experience. There is so much to learn, keep organized and remember as you head into finals. Following effective study tips can help reduce stress and increase your grade point average. Not every studying technique works for every student, so experiment with a few of these strategies to find out which ones work best for you.

The days are getting darker and exams are just around the corner (so is the holiday break!). Looking for some bright cheer amongst the study sessions? Check out the Nanaimo campus quad after dark, lit up for all to enjoy after Light It Up VIU happened last week.

Campus Development ran a survey from August 2 to September 30 asking students and employees to share their experiences and suggestions about wayfinding signage on the Nanaimo campus. Your thoughtful input will help us develop a comprehensive, accessible and inclusive wayfinding signage system. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our prize winners!

Vancouver Island University’s ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal student mentorship program celebrated its 10^th anniversary in September 2021. In honour of this important milestone, we are sharing stories of people closely connected with the program every month leading up to the anniversary. Stay tuned for a celebration event in February 2022 – when we hope to be able to gather in-person.

What is engineering? Engineering is about solving problems. It applies the principles of science and mathematics to design and build things.

“Everything around you has been engineered, including your desk, stapler, window, the building you are in and the road you travel on. Some of this was engineered a long time ago, but someone did it at some point,” says David Moss, a VIU Engineering Technician. “We build things. Basically everything around you that is human-made has been engineered, whether it was designed or constructed through engineering.”

As you gear up for exam season, our student blogger Preet Parmar wants to remind you not to forget to take care of yourself.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself is key to academic success and to your ability to support others. Neglecting personal care elevates anxiety, inattentiveness, frustration and could lead to burnout. When self-care starts to become equivalent to doing a chore, rather than a mental nudge to be grateful, it’s a sign that something needs to change in your life.