Students

Convocation ‘24: Sara Moore, BSc, Biological Sciences

Donna McKinnon - 13 June 2024

 

As a biological sciences student, part-time worker and Team Canada gymnast, juggling heavy workloads is nothing new to Sara Moore, but it does take exceptional dedication and deep reservoirs of resilience honed over years of effort and experience. It also requires the ability to pivot — and this is a skill that defines Sara’s athletic, academic and professional life. 

“I had to ensure that I was using my tools to manage stress to the greatest extent possible,” she says, adding that fine-tuning her time management skills allowed her to maintain these activities while gaining many valuable lessons that she will carry into her professional life. 

One of her proudest accomplishments, she says, is her work with the University of Alberta Innovation Fund (UAIF), which provides funding opportunities for start-ups in AI, Health, Energy and Agriculture alongside a supportive community of educators, mentors and champions. It’s a role she has been passionate about for more than half her degree.

“Having this direct application and seeing ideas or research actually be transformed into something that benefits individuals around the province is truly an amazing feeling.”

Now working full-time as the Strategy and Operations Lead for the UAIF, Sara continues to train and compete in trampoline and tumbling gymnastics.

Congratulations Sara!

 

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I have always been interested in the life sciences and specifically how applications through research could help improve the quality of life of individuals. Along with this, a good part of my life was spent exploring and learning in Alberta's Rockies, so I have always been infatuated with nature and the outdoors. Biological sciences seemed like the perfect intersection of these two areas of interest.

I chose the University of Alberta for a wide number of reasons. Not only is it an acclaimed research institution in areas that I am interested in, but it allowed me to stay in my home province with access to the outdoors and mountains. Another key factor was my position on Team Canada in Trampoline and Tumbling Gymnastics. One of the top trampoline and tumbling training centres in Canada is here in Edmonton, and the U of A provided an opportunity to study in an area I was passionate about while also continuing to train.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

My favourite memories here at the U of A have been tightly associated with the work I do with the University of Alberta Innovation Fund (UAIF). For more than half my degree, I have worked with the Innovation Fund and have been able to interact with researchers, companies that are university spinouts and faculty members. Meetings with these individuals have allowed me to apply what I learn in the classroom directly into conversations about how a technology or creation may impact Albertans. On multiple occasions, I have learned about, or attended guest lectures with individuals who I have talked to because of my work with the fund. Having this direct application and seeing ideas or research actually be transformed into something that benefits individuals around the province is truly an amazing feeling.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

I had two favourite classes here at the U of A, and I took both in the last year of my degree. The first was Biochemistry 420 (Proteins: Structure, Function, and Regulation) which was quite daunting at the beginning of the term. I remember worrying that I was not cut out to be in the class, as I was not a student in biochemistry or someone who wanted to go into medicine.

Throughout the term, however, I was able to learn about things that directly applied to some of the work done by individuals I had met through the Innovation Fund. Not only did this pique my interest in class, but it also made me even more enthusiastic when talking about the possibilities and reach of the research being conducted here at the U of A. 

The second class I truly enjoyed was Zoology 408 (Biology of Mammals). Having already been interested in nature and animals, I knew I wanted to take this class but Andrew Derocher went above and beyond in making it compelling and interesting, while also providing opportunities for students to look into their own specific interests within the course. Both these courses definitely made my last year memorable. 

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

My leadership experience while being a student was through the Innovation Fund. Back in 2022, I was the first student to be brought on by the Fund's CEO to help with the creation and involvement of the fund around the university ecosystem. With so many different opportunities for experience provided by the fund, I knew that students would benefit by being involved. As a result, in April last year I began the Student Involvement Initiative within the UAIF, where students could assist with baseline processes. What started out as me bringing on three students in specific roles that pertained to their areas of study and interest morphed into leading a team of 15+ students from many different faculties across campus. Each and every one of them was passionate and dedicated to assisting with the success of the Fund, and provided a unique perspective from their own education.

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

I faced many challenges with my degree, but one of the main ones was managing stress and time. As a student, a gymnast and a member of the IAIF, I always had something to keep me busy. The most problematic times were during competition seasons when weeks or weekends were fully booked with travel and competitions. I was sent to the World Age Group Championships on Team Canada twice over my degree and had to travel across the world both times. This meant missing lots of classes and having to keep up on my own time. With the added stress of competing, school and exams, I had to ensure that I was using my tools to manage stress to the greatest extent possible. In addition, I fine-tuned my time management skills to be able to maintain my schedule and activities. This provided me with many valuable lessons that I will carry as I enter the real world.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

My advice for current and future students is to not be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Failure is such a central part of our lives, and life changing opportunities often come about when we learn from our experiences. Putting yourself out there and doing something outside of your comfort zone may be terrifying, but it may also change your life.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I plan on celebrating convocation by travelling to Europe for a relaxing vacation with my family and spending lots of time with them!

What's next after graduation?

I have begun a full time position with the Innovation Fund as the Strategy and Operations Lead and will continue to train and compete in Trampoline and Tumbling Gymnastics.