Alumni Profiles — Science

Crystal Craig, BSc (Chem), 2004Dr. of Veterinary Medicine Companion Animal Hospital Dartmouth, NS

I think the most important thing when you do an undergraduate degree is to not set your mind on just one goal but to find out what you want to do throughout the years. When I started my science degree I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I think it was in my third year when I decided that I wanted to be a vet. I was originally a chemistry major, so adding some biology courses for prerequisites to apply to veterinary school was not difficult and my professors were very supportive of that.

I was very involved with the UNB Chemistry Society and was the president for a few years. In my fourth year at UNB I also did volunteer work with some large animal and small animal vets in order to be accepted into AVC (Atlantic Veterinary College). The strong science program at UNB as well as my extracurricular activities were very important in allowing me to be accepted into veterinary medicine. UNB gave me the science background which, of course, I use in my everyday job, but more importantly, my professors were very strong role models and supportive in guiding me as I applied to vet school.

As a veterinarian I work with companion animals, so usually my day is split between surgeries and wellness appointments as well as treating sick animals. Veterinarians are not only involved in ensuring the health of the family pet, but they're very important in ensuring public health, food safety and drug development. The best thing about my profession is that veterinarian medicine is progressing so rapidly there is always something new to learn.

I miss UNB both because of the great friends I made who I still keep in touch with, and the great professors that I had here. I still try to visit them whenever I come back.


Todd Kelly, BSc in Applied Physics, 1992

Project Manager for Canadian High Arctic Ionosphere Network (CHAIN).

I enrolled in the BSc Physics program as a result of my interest fostered in high school. I really thought that physics was cool. By the end of second year, I realized that it was also challenging. By selecting the Applied Physics program in my third year I gained the flexibility in my course offerings such that I was able to take both the core physics courses as well as advanced hands-on laboratory sections.

I attribute my success to the course diversity available at UNB and the dynamic instructors who, through their professionalism, instilled in me the desire to always do my best. The instructors were always available and took the time outside of the scheduled course to discuss and further explain more difficult concepts. It was never about getting the A+. The focus was on knowledge, retention, and application as an end result of the course work.

Through the Applied Physics program at UNB, I gained valuable experience in the Physics research environment, which provided me with a skill set that could be immediately used upon graduation. In my particular case, I was employed full-time in a leading research laboratory prior to graduation in 1992!

With ongoing training and professional developments opportunities at UNB, I advanced to my current position as Technical Officer in Physics in 1995. My primary role is in the overseeing of departmental research equipment and facilities in their acquisition, installation, operation and maintenance.

The best part of my current position is the diversity of the people that I interact with and the wide range of leading edge research projects that I am involved with. For instance, my primary focus over the last 18 months has been with the principle investigator in deployment of remote GPS sites in the Canadian Arctic. This is just one example of the type of opportunities that a Physics Degree at UNB prepared me for.


George (Bud) Ivey, BSc in Organic Chemistry, 1989

President & Senior Remediation Specialist Ivey International Inc. Campbell River, British Columbia

I knew I enjoyed the sciences, and I had a strong interest in working in the environmental sector. That's why I continued in Geological Engineering for two years after completing my Chemistry degree. Looking back, it was a good move. Gaining an appreciation of geology and engineering principles laid the foundation for my multi-disciplinary career.

At UNB, I learned how to problem solve. My degree gave me the basic technical skills to understand contamination and soil sciences, and methods to remediate them.

I hold several international patents and conduct applied soil, solid waste, wastewater, and groundwater research. I’m currently working on several remediation projects in different parts of the world.

I think it is important for science students to remember that science is a good foundation for most fields of employment. When you are considering a field you would like to work in, you need to create a strong foundation of knowledge and understand that this will support and under-pin your entry and growth in that field.

You also need to know you will need to continue to learn and grow — professionally and personally. There is a lot more after the four years of university! You can and should actively shape and manage your career path. Just like driving down a road, there will be fast and slow sections, hills, valleys, and curves, and lots of sights/signs to see to guide you (but you must look and read them all). Your degree is an important asset for your journey down the road of life.

You need to establish goals for yourself (your map, mile markers). Try to balance family, health, work, social life, and community — even when this is difficult, and at times it will be! You need to remember to have fun, and treat others as you want to be treated, and remember it's okay to enjoy the process and to takes risks. You will learn as much from your failures as you will from your successes, so long as you are open mined enough to see them for what they are — chances to learn.

Good luck!

Dr. Bronwyn Mulherin, BSc (Biopsychology), 2000, Doctor of Optometry 2004

Upon entering university I was not sure what career would be right for me. I knew that I wanted to be in health care, or at least a caring profession, but I had no idea which one.

During my second year, I was required to take a psychology course called sensation and perception – it was all about how we see. I loved it and was captivated by the whole concept of the visual system and how it worked. Optometry was a way for me to study and work in this field while also having a great quality of life and income – it was the perfect fit.

When I enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program at Waterloo I was very well prepared, more so than some of my colleagues. I was able to take all of the required courses for optometry at UNB and that gave me the basis upon which to build my optometric knowledge.

Psychology and biology both play a huge role in my work. Biology and its connection to optometry are quite obvious but the psychology connection is just as strong. Psychology comes into play both in how people perceive visually and also in how each person perceives their world generally.

My career is very satisfying – every day I get to help people see better. Vision is our most precious sense. I enjoy educating people about the importance of protecting their vision, and how they should do that.

My advice for science students is that there is a whole world of opportunities open to people with a BSc. Science is the foundation for so much, and you can take that foundation and build on it – whatever you develop a passion for.

If you have an interest in a particular field, go out and experience it. Call your local optometrist or other professional and ask if there are opportunities to volunteer or shadow them for a day. I have done this on many occasions and I know that other professionals who love what they do would like to encourage and mentor others.