Congratulations Elizabeth Russell for earning the Graduate Student Service Award! Elizabeth is a PhD candidate at the AWP. Elizabeth’s responsibilities have grown since she’s been in LFS and she’s supported the AWP on several committees.
My leadership journey began during my master’s program (2019-2021) and has continued well into my Ph.D. studies. As Chair of the AWP Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDI.I) Committee, I have played a vital role in strengthening Indigenous relationships and promoting decolonization efforts. Additionally, I have contributed to the AWP Social Committee and Working Space Committee, further enhancing the graduate student experience.
I have organized interdisciplinary journal clubs, facilitated knowledge-sharing at the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre (DERC), and provided leadership as Secretary (2023-2024) and now President (2024-2025) of the LFS Graduate Student Council. Some of my favourite events I’ve been a part of under this role include game nights, writing retreats, and an annual LFS Graduate Student Conference. I’ve also had the change to sit on the LFS Faculty Advisory Board, which I enjoyed ensuring student voices were heard at the faculty level.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work with various undergraduate and international students. Despite being based at DERC, I have volunteered to mentor for students in APBI 398 (Research Methods in Applied Animal Biology) and APBI 496 (LFS Practicum). Some of my most memorable work has been guiding visiting international scholars and leading farm tours for UBC students, local schools, and community groups. I have been a Teaching Assistant for multiple courses in Applied Animal Biology, and I’m deeply committed to supporting undergraduate students in their learning, providing mentorship, and fostering an engaging academic environment.