Claire Troost

Tell us about yourself and what you are currently studying at UVic

My name is Claire, I am a fifth-year Biology major with a concentration in Neurobiology. I am graduating this year and hope to pursue medicine. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I lived on a little sailboat for many years with my family until I recently moved out! I was also home-schooled for a while when I was younger while my family and I went on a backpacking trip. 

What made you first get involved with UVic WIS?

I was asked to be one of the MCs for last year’s WIS symposium. After that, I was really interested in the club and when I heard there was a director position open for this year I immediately applied because I knew that I would love it and had experience being in an executive position with BUGS. 

What are your future career goals?

I would love to go into medicine with a focus on Neurology. I am also looking to gain research experience, if medical school doesn’t work out I would love to pursue a master’s in neuroscience. 

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

I have always been interested in neuroplasticity and recovery from brain injury. As far as research goes I would love to get involved with research at UVic. I have been really intrigued by the work in Dr. Templeman’s lab and the work she is doing surrounding female reproductive health and aging.

Some people find out they’re interested in science at a young age, while some find out much later. Tell us about how this experience was for you.

I have always been interested in science, particularly in Biology from a very young age. I almost went to post-secondary for teaching or art but I was able to take part in a class at my local high school that was taught by a practicing plastic surgeon. It was a hand anatomy class where we were given lectures, were shown videos of him doing surgery and even spent a couple of hours in the Cadaver Lab at UVic. This experience is really what turned me towards going into STEM and medicine. 

What is your favourite non-stem hobby/activity?

I am an avid crafter and a bit of an artist; I love to draw, paint and crochet. I also really enjoy physical activity to unwind, I do weight training most days. 

What is one piece of advice you have for people looking to get into your field?

Focusing on your grades is really important. You do want to keep up with all the content because it is such a content-heavy degree. I would also say don’t be afraid to go to office hours and to chat with and get to know your professors. In STEM and particularly Neuro all of the people doing research or even just teaching are so passionate about what they do and love to talk to keen young students about it. 

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

Definitely crocheting. Also, a really good gym session maybe with some Taylor Swift in my headphones! 

What media are you currently consuming? Music, podcasts, books, movies?

I love podcasts and I love reading. Right now, I am loving the Huberman Lab podcast. It is hosted by Andrew Huberman a professor of Neurobiology at Stanford School of Medicine. He talks about science-based techniques that can be used in everyday life to optimize yourself and your functioning as well as really interesting research topics in his field. As far as books go, I am currently reading Waking Up by Sam Harris and Atomic Habits by James Clear. 

Who is someone that inspires you and why?

My peers really inspire me. Lately, especially as I’m getting to the completion of my degree, I am just surrounded by smart women with huge career aspirations. I have a friend Dilly Cooner who just graduated last year and this year she is starting her first year at UBC medical school, she is a huge inspiration to me. 

What do you find most challenging about your degree?

I think the content of the degree is very challenging. Neurobiology is a very rapidly changing cutting-edge field. It’s adapting as the technology is adapting. I have had a lot of courses where you are learning content that is just coming out in studies and your syllabus is based on these studies. You are consuming results and concepts that are just being discovered. It sometimes feels that even though you are only in undergrad you are learning the same things that the “real scientists” are. It can be intimidating but is also one of my favourite parts. 

What do you feel you have gained by being part of WIS?

I just recently joined, but I feel I’ve already really gained inspiration from people around me, and I have gained experience in a leadership position. It has been challenging in a good way and has been a great learning opportunity. I also appreciate the sense of community that I have found with STEM people. It is very nice to bond over nerdiness, there is not often a lot of opportunity for that outside of school!