Chief Scientific Officer at the BC SPCA and Adjunct Professor at UBC in Vancouver, BC
What brought you to the Animal Welfare Program?
In 2000 when I was looking for opportunities after my BSc it was the only graduate program I found that could allow me to merge my interests in caring for individual wild animals and their species conservation. I was fascinated by nature and animals and wanted to make a difference in the world for both. I was unsure what my career path would be as I was told I had to choose either conservation or veterinary studies – there was no in-between at the time. I believed a biology degree would best prepare me for acquiring a foundation to build on, and thankfully it was the right path in my case.
What have you been doing since graduating from the AWP?
After my MSc, I used my teaching and engagement skills to work on contract with several organizations and a local college. I was hired a year after graduation by the BC SPCA to use my knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation to manage their wildlife hospital, where I had previously volunteered. Five years later I progressed to working on provincial operations, policy and legislation efforts for exotic and wild animals. I returned for my PhD in 2010 while continuing to work for the BC SPCA as my career experience drove my research questions. Following graduation, I became the BC SPCA’s first Chief Scientific Officer and created new programming areas, and now oversee teams of animal welfare science and policy experts. I always wanted to work “with” animals, but working “for” them is where I thrive. Animals need a voice, and as a trained scientist with a diverse set of experiences and training, I can bring an evidence-based and ethical perspective to the societal dilemmas they face.
What advice do you have for students?
My advice for current students or recent graduates would be to seek out experiential learning opportunities through practicums, work experience or volunteering. Try out as many career paths as possible before committing to additional training or a second degree program. Network within the profession and join the professional association of your sector as a student or new graduate.
I can be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradubois/